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The Chief of the
Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, congratulated
Trooper Mark Donaldson as he became the first Australian in
almost forty years to be awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s
highest military honour.
The Victoria Cross
is only presented to those who have displayed the most conspicuous
acts of gallantry in action. There are only ten surviving recipients
in the world today.
Trooper Donaldson’s
actions under fire in Afghanistan resulted in ensuring the safety
of other members of the combine Australian, Afghan and US forces,
and ultimately saved the life of a coalition interpreter. He
displayed exceptional courage in face of extreme danger.
Tradition holds that
even the most senior military officers salute a Victoria Cross
recipient, as a sign of respect for their act of gallantry.
Air Chief Marshal
Houston said it would be his honour to salute Trooper Donaldson.
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Her Excellency
Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of
Australia congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC at today's
ceremony.
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Mr
Keith Payne VC congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC
at today's ceremony
along with Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General
of the Commonwealth of Australia (right),
Mrs Emma Donaldson and daughter Kaylee with the Prime
Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP (left).
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Mr
Keith Payne VC congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC
at today's ceremony.
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Her
Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the
Commonwealth
of Australia pins the Victoria Cross to Trooper Mark Donaldson
VC.
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Senior
dignitaries pose for an official photograph with Trooper
Mark Donaldson VC at Government House.
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A congratulatory
kiss from wife Emma to Trooper Mark Donaldson VC; with
the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie; Mrs
Houston and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief
Marshal Angus Houston looking on. |
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The
Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP,
congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC with Her Excellency
Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth
of Australia, at Government house today. |
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Trooper
Mark Donaldson VC, wife Emma Donaldson and daughter Kaylee
pose for photographs at today's ceremony. |
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