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The Chief of the
Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today saluted
Trooper Mark Donaldson as he became the first Australian in
almost forty years to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Air Chief
Marshal Houston said the Victoria Cross for Australia was the
nation’s highest military honour and was presented only
to those who displayed the most conspicuous gallantry in the
face of the enemy.
“Today is a
momentous day for the Australian Defence Force and for Trooper
Donaldson,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said. “I ask
you all to contemplate Trooper Donaldson’s selfless and
courageous act of mateship and loyalty - not only to his fellow
Aussie comrades but to the Afghani interpreter whose life he
undoubtedly saved. We in the Australian Defence Force stand
united in our pride as one of our own is admitted into the most
exclusive of military fraternities."
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"Trooper Donaldson has been inducted into the ranks of
those military personnel deemed to be the most gallant; the
most heroic; the most devoted. He joins a band of brothers so
admired for their valour that there are only ten surviving members
in the world today.”
Air Chief Marshal Houston said tradition held that even the
most senior officer saluted a Victoria Cross recipient as a
mark respect for their act of valour. “It will be my great
honour from this day forth to salute Trooper Mark Donaldson,
VC,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, congratulated
Trooper Donaldson on behalf of all members of the Australian
Army.
“Trooper Donaldson’s actions, and those of the other
members of his patrol, are fine examples of the very best in
Australian soldiering. I’m very proud of them all,”
Lieutenant General Gillespie said.
Trooper Donaldson said he felt very privileged and overwhelmed
at being awarded Australia’s highest military honour. “I
don’t see myself as a hero. I was in Afghanistan just doing
my job. My training and my instincts took over on the day,”
Trooper Donaldson said. “I am very proud but also keen
to get back to work and be with my mates.”
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