Private Richard Norden honoured with Victoria Cross for Vietnam War heroism

Private Richard Norden has been awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions during a battle in the Vietnam War in which he saved a commander and recovered the body of another comrade.

Vietnam Veteran Private Richard Norden has been recommended for a Victoria Cross medal for his role in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral. Private Richard Leslie Norden. Photo: Supplied

An Australian soldier who braved enemy fire in the Vietnam War to aid a wounded comrade and recover a fallen one will be posthumously honoured with the Victoria Cross for his courage.

Private Richard Norden, from Gundagai, was awarded the medal for his heroic actions during the 1968 Battle of Fire Support Base Coral, north east of Saigon in the Vietnam War.

Under intense fire from North Vietnamese forces, he saved the life of an injured commander and recovered the boy of another soldier.

Years after his service, Norden died in a traffic accident in 1972.

Richard Norden joined the Australian Federal Police in Canberra. He died in a motorcycle accident while on duty in 1972. Picture: National Police Memorial

Aircraftman Kevin Wickerson, Private Richard Norden and Petty Officer William Young congratulated by the then Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler

Governor-General of Ms Sam Mostyn attends the 2024 Remembrance Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Governor-General Samantha Mostyn spoke of Private Norden’s “selflessness in the heat of the battle.”

“The Victoria Cross for Australia, is Australia’s highest ministry monarch, the awarding of it speaks to Private Norton’s courage and selflessness in the heat of battle, his ongoing legacy, and the bravery of generations of our service personnel.”

Ms Mostyn also informed private Norden’s widow, Robynn Freeman, just days ago that the King had approved the VC to her late husband, Ms Freeman said she was “honoured.”

RSLA National President Greg Melick said the approval by His Majesty King Charles III to bestow this highest military honour on Private Norden, provided a further reminder of the great service and sacrifice of Australian Defence personnel.

Private Richard Norden (back row, far left) after completing a hand-to-hand combat course. Picture: Supplied

“Private Norden’s actions under intense enemy fire during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral at the height of the Vietnam War, where he rescued a wounded comrade and recovered the body of another, demonstrated outstanding bravery and the highest qualities of Australian mateship,” he said.

“The 1968 battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral saw some of the most intense fighting endured by Australian troops in the Vietnam War.

“Richard Norden’s service to our nation continued in civilian life as an Australian Capital Territory police officer until he was unfortunately killed in a traffic accident while on duty.

“The late Private Norden is a worthy recipient of the Victoria Cross and joins the select ranks of the brave Australian soldiers who have received this supreme honour.

“The RSL and veterans throughout Australia join in honouring the late Private Richard Norden,” Greg Melick said.

Australian naval seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean was awarded the last VC, for his heroics when HMAS Armidale was sunk by Japanese bombers in the Timor Sea in 1942.

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Originally published as Private Richard Norden honoured with Victoria Cross for Vietnam War heroism