Lest we forget: we celebrate four of the Gold Coast’s finest

Despite living in a part of the world so accustomed to laughter and sunshine there is courage in the hearts of Gold Coasters. We celebrate four of our most gallant war heroes.

Despite living in a part of the world so accustomed to laughter and sunshine there is courage in the hearts of Gold Coasters. We celebrate four of our most gallant war heroes.

Corporal Cameron Baird

WHILE the Special Forces soldier didn’t grow up on the Gold Coast, he adopted the city as his own after his parents moved here.

The commando was awarded the Medal for Gallantry in 2007 for leading his team to safety after they came under fire while trying to clear a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan. He then re-entered the compound and helped win the close quarter gunfight.

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In 2013, this time in Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, he was attacking an insurgent network deep within enemy held territory.

On three separate occasions he gallantly drew fire away from his mates, dying in the final attempt which also caused the enemy to be defeated.

For his exceptional bravery he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Cpl Baird’s funeral was held at Reedy Creek Baptist Church.

Lieutenant Terence Hayes, DFC.

Lieutenant Terence Hayes

THE Helensvale resident was the last Australian to receive a Distinguished Flying Cross before our country did away with Britain’s Imperial Awards and adopted our own system.

According to his award citation, Lt Hayes was piloting a plane in Phuoc Toy province, Vietnam, on November 9, 1970 when he was shot at by at least three automatic weapons. He managed to regain control of the aircraft in such a way both he and his passenger survived.

Bob Brett won the Military Cross while serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Australian Army in Vietnam.

Second Lieutenant Bob Brett

THE former Gold Coast Tourism Bureau CEO was awarded the Military Cross for his repeated acts of bravery in Vietnam.

The 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment officer’s citation says one such act occurred in March 1969 when his platoon suffered a devastating 20 casualties.

He led his few surviving men in repeated attacks on the enemy in order to restore their confidence.

Peter White won the Military Cross as a Major in the Australian Army while serving in Vietnam.

Major Peter White

LONG before he was the federal member for McPherson, White was a decorated army officer.

He won his Military Cross during the Tet offensive in Vietnam during 1968.

The citation mentions both his courage and leadership as well as his care of his men during the military campaign.

He died of a brain tumour last year.

Originally published as Lest we forget: we celebrate four of the Gold Coast’s finest