Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean recommended for Victoria Cross

A Tasmanian war hero is set to be recognised for his bravery with Australia’s highest award for servicemen and women.

Tasmanian war hero Teddy Sheean will be recommended for a Victoria Cross medal.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement on Monday in Canberra after last month receiving the findings of a seven-week review.

Sheean was a sailor in WWII that was killed after HMAS Armidale was attacked by Japanese warplanes in the Arafura Sea en route to Timor in 1942. Despite being told to abandon ship, Sheean, 18, was reported to have not left his post and continued to fire his anti-aircraft gun at enemy aircraft. His actions were credited with saving the lives of 49 crew.

Ordinary seaman Teddy Sheean. Picture: Supplied

Mr Morrison said Sheehan’s case to receive the highest award for servicemen or women had been subject to a series of reviews and panels. Earlier this year the Government decided against recommending Sheean for a VC.

“The challenge that the Government was faced with was that we had two findings of equal standing from two reviews, neither related to each other, that had concluded different results, and so the Government was presented with conflicting evidence,” Mr Morrison said.

“It is a very serious award, and as Prime Minister and as a Government we have a very special responsibility to ensure that the integrity of the Victoria Cross is upheld for all those who have been honoured.”

Last survivor from the HMAS Armidale, Dr Ray Leonard, called for Teddy Sheean to be awarded a Victoria Cross. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Former War Memorial head Brendan Nelson was on an expert review panel that found new evidence from Japanese aviation military records in Tokyo.

The latest review found that there was “compelling new evidence” to support the recognition of Sheean and that he was “done a substantial injustice” when his actions were initially considered in 1942-43.

Dr Nelson said Sheean was the youngest, lowest ranked seaman on HMAS Armidale who decided to defend against the Japanese instead of getting in a lifeboat.

“This man deserves the Victoria Cross,” Dr Nelson.

Mr Morrison confirmed he would be making the recommendation for the sailor who fought in World War II to be awarded a VC saying the “courageous sacrifice of his life” made him eligible for the top honour.

The latest review followed pressure from the public and Mr Morrison’s own party after the Government did not accept a tribunal recommendation in May to award the war hero the VC.

Tasmanian Veteran Affairs Minister Guy Barnett also appeared before the panel in support of Sheean.

Mr Morrison also paid his respects to all of the families of the 19 Victorians who passed away overnight because of the COVID infection.