bobdina
07-31-2009, 10:22 PM
The Medal for Gallantry (MG) was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances.
Order of Australian Medals
* Victoria Cross for Australia
* Star of Gallantry
* Medal for Gallantry
* Commendation for Gallantry
* Distinguished Service Cross
* Distinguished Service Medal
* Commendation for Distinguished Service
* Unit Awards
For gallantry and leadership in action as a Commando Team Commander, of the Special Forces Task Group whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER, Afghanistan in 2006.
During the conduct of an operation, Corporal “B’s” commando platoon was tasked to carry out the clearance of an Anti-Coalition Militia sanctuary in the Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. The platoon was partnered in support of a Coalition infantry company. At approximately 1pm the infantry company came under heavy rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire on multiple flanks resulting in six wounded and one soldier killed in action, effectively halting their advance. Through thick vegetation, facing large numbers of dispersed Anti-Coalition Militia and under heavy fire, the commando platoon commenced manoeuvring to provide assistance to the element which was pinned down. During this move, the commando platoon received a volley of four rockets which impacted in the centre of the platoon’s position resulting in six Australian soldiers wounded in action. Unknown to the Commander at the time, Corporal “B” had also been wounded in the foot by fragmentation from the rocket propelled grenade barrage.
In order to regain the initiative, Corporal “B’s” team was tasked by the Commando Platoon Commander to assault forward and clear a group of compounds from which they were receiving Anti-Coalition Militia fire. Under these daunting conditions Corporal “B” commenced this task without hesitation, completing a rapid and aggressive clearance of numerous threat compounds. Once achieved, Coalition elements were free to continue with the battle providing the necessary time to effect the back loading of the wounded by helicopter to the Forward Operating Base.
Throughout the afternoon, numerous and relentless probing attacks by a determined opponent followed. Corporal “B” displayed extraordinary leadership and courage, inspiring his team and the remainder of the commando platoon to repel the continued attacks. He then successfully led a team to infiltrate the Anti-Coalition Militia held territory killing several Anti-Coalition Militia. Only after the engagement had been completed and the threat to the platoon subsided did Corporal “B” inform his Commander of the fragmentation wound that he had sustained during the original contact earlier that day. Corporal “B” was then evacuated to the Casualty Collection Point where he was provided with medical treatment and later extracted.
Corporal “B’s” actions as a Commando Team Commander were testament to his leadership, fortitude and sense of duty to his team and the platoon. His determination to continue to lead his team during the battle in extremely hazardous circumstances despite being wounded ensured that the commando platoon regained the initiative and contributed significantly to a decisive victory. His gallantry and leadership in the face of the enemy has been of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of Special Operations Command-Australia, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.
Order of Australian Medals
* Victoria Cross for Australia
* Star of Gallantry
* Medal for Gallantry
* Commendation for Gallantry
* Distinguished Service Cross
* Distinguished Service Medal
* Commendation for Distinguished Service
* Unit Awards
For gallantry and leadership in action as a Commando Team Commander, of the Special Forces Task Group whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER, Afghanistan in 2006.
During the conduct of an operation, Corporal “B’s” commando platoon was tasked to carry out the clearance of an Anti-Coalition Militia sanctuary in the Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. The platoon was partnered in support of a Coalition infantry company. At approximately 1pm the infantry company came under heavy rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire on multiple flanks resulting in six wounded and one soldier killed in action, effectively halting their advance. Through thick vegetation, facing large numbers of dispersed Anti-Coalition Militia and under heavy fire, the commando platoon commenced manoeuvring to provide assistance to the element which was pinned down. During this move, the commando platoon received a volley of four rockets which impacted in the centre of the platoon’s position resulting in six Australian soldiers wounded in action. Unknown to the Commander at the time, Corporal “B” had also been wounded in the foot by fragmentation from the rocket propelled grenade barrage.
In order to regain the initiative, Corporal “B’s” team was tasked by the Commando Platoon Commander to assault forward and clear a group of compounds from which they were receiving Anti-Coalition Militia fire. Under these daunting conditions Corporal “B” commenced this task without hesitation, completing a rapid and aggressive clearance of numerous threat compounds. Once achieved, Coalition elements were free to continue with the battle providing the necessary time to effect the back loading of the wounded by helicopter to the Forward Operating Base.
Throughout the afternoon, numerous and relentless probing attacks by a determined opponent followed. Corporal “B” displayed extraordinary leadership and courage, inspiring his team and the remainder of the commando platoon to repel the continued attacks. He then successfully led a team to infiltrate the Anti-Coalition Militia held territory killing several Anti-Coalition Militia. Only after the engagement had been completed and the threat to the platoon subsided did Corporal “B” inform his Commander of the fragmentation wound that he had sustained during the original contact earlier that day. Corporal “B” was then evacuated to the Casualty Collection Point where he was provided with medical treatment and later extracted.
Corporal “B’s” actions as a Commando Team Commander were testament to his leadership, fortitude and sense of duty to his team and the platoon. His determination to continue to lead his team during the battle in extremely hazardous circumstances despite being wounded ensured that the commando platoon regained the initiative and contributed significantly to a decisive victory. His gallantry and leadership in the face of the enemy has been of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of Special Operations Command-Australia, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.