Australian Government House, Media Release: The Governor-General has announced that His Majesty The King has approved the awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia to the late Private Richard Norden.
“A few days ago, I had the privilege of speaking to Private Norden’s widow, Mrs Robynn Freeman, to advise her that His Majesty has approved the awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia to
the late Private Richard Norden,” the Governor-General said.
The citation for Private Norden reads:
“For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in the presence of the enemy in the ‘AO Surfers’ Area of Operations in the Bien Hoa province, Vietnam, on 14 May 1968 during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral”
Full details of the action are included below.
Sadly, Private Norden died while on active service with the Australian Capital Territory Police in 1972.
“The Victoria Cross for Australia is Australia’s highest military honour. The awarding of it speaks to Private Norden’s courage and selflessness in the heat of battle, his ongoing legacy and the bravery of generations of our service personnel.
“This is a historic day for Australia and the Australian Defence Force and a significant day for Private Norden’s loved ones.
“When I spoke with Mrs Freeman, I conveyed the appreciation of all Australians for Private Norden’s service, our admiration for his courage and our hope that this recognition – our nation’s highest – brings a further sense of pride and affirmation that he will never be forgotten.”
Mrs Freeman has issued the following statement:
We are honoured that His Majesty has approved the Victoria Cross for Australia for Richard, recognising his gallantry actions whilst serving in Vietnam. We would like to keep this special occasion private and if you have any further questions please contact the Department of Defence or the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor General.
“I also committed to Mrs Freemen that we will now work with her, her family, Defence and other stakeholders to arrange a special investiture ceremony that befits the award and its significance to Australia.” <ENDS>
Awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia – Private Richard Norden
For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in the presence of the enemy in the ‘AO Surfers’ Area of Operations in the Bien Hoa province, Vietnam, on 14 May 1968 during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.
During Operation Toan Thang, 5th Platoon, B Company were ambushed and came under heavy fire from an estimated squad of seven to ten North Vietnamese Army regular soldiers. Private Norden, a member of the leading section, ran forward under heavy enemy fire to the Section Commander and forward scout who were wounded during the initial contact.
Private Norden killed one North Vietnamese Army soldier whilst moving forward and, having expended his ammunition, recovered that enemy’s automatic weapon which he used against further North Vietnamese Army soldiers. He then half-carried, half-dragged the severely wounded Section Commander back to the section.
Private Norden, seriously wounded, again advanced to the forward scout. He pressed forward under enemy fire and reached the scout, killing the North Vietnamese Army soldier who had been using the scout as a shield. Having determined that the scout was dead, Private Norden returned to the section to collect grenades and moved forward for a third time. He cleared the area to enable the body of the scout to be recovered.
Private Norden showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety, and his courage and selfless acts resulted in the enemy position being secured and likely saved the lives of other members of the platoon.
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