UPDATED, 14 NOVEMBER:
The Australian Federal Police has acknowledged the significant honour of the Victoria Cross of Australia given to former Australian Capital Territory Police Constable Richard Norden.
The Vietnam War veteran posthumously received the highest military honour in Canberra on Remembrance Day.
“Constable Norden joined the police in February 1970 and served with honour until October 1972 when he was tragically killed while on duty, in a motorcycle collision in Canberra,” a statement by the AFP said.
“Constable Norden is recognised on the National Police Memorial and is one of 11 AFP officers to have lost their lives while on duty.
The AFP said community policing was made up of women and men who sought to serve their community.
“Constable Norden exemplified this service – both while in the Australian Army and later as a police officer. We thank him for this service,” the AFP said.
EARLIER, 11 NOVEMBER:
A Vietnam War veteran and former ACT police officer has posthumously received the highest military honour in Canberra on Remembrance Day.
Following the 2024 Remembrance Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial (AWM), Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn announced Private Richard Norden as the latest recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia (VC).
Private Norden, who was 19 at the time of serving, was part of the 7th and 1st battalions of the Australian Army’s Royal Australian Regiment.
He is the 102nd recipient of the medal, and only the fifth from the Vietnam War.
The citation for the medal 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”.
“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,” Ms Mostyn said.
“This is a historic day for Australia and the Australian Defence Force and a significant day for Private Norden’s loved ones.”
Sadly, Private Norden died in a motorcycle accident in Canberra in 1972 while on duty with the Australian Capital Territory Police.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the citation for Private Norden, who was originally from Gundagai in New South Wales, showed he had extraordinary courage.
“Of advancing under heavy fire to help his wounded section commander back to safety,” Mr Albanese said.
“And then, now wounded himself, going back into deadly danger, to try and save another injured member of his platoon, the forward scout.
“On discovering his comrade had been killed, he fought on, clearing the area so his body could be safely recovered.
“Such was his courage that the enemy soldiers abandoned their positions, and as a result, many Australian lives were saved.
“These deeds are more than worthy of the highest military honour our nation can bestow, the VC of Australia.”
AWM director Matt Anderson PSM said the recognition was long overdue.
“…I think it’s a day for the people, as you heard, of Gundagai, it’s a day for people who served, and suffered, in the Australian Defence Force, but ultimately for all of us,” Mr Anderson said.
“Today is a moment for us to pause and to think about the remarkable actions that I read out in the citation.
“More than two million women and men have worn our nation’s uniform in the past century, and today, 102 have been awarded and recognised for most conspicuous acts of valour, it’s that significant.”
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