Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean awarded Victoria Cross medal

After a 32-year campaign, Tasmanian sailor Teddy Sheean will be recognised with Australia’s highest award for servicemen and women.

TASMANIAN war hero Teddy Sheean will be awarded a Victoria Cross medal 78 years after sacrificing his life to save his shipmates in WWII.

Governor-General David Hurley on Wednesday announced the Queen had approved Sheean for the Australia’s highest award for servicemen and women.

The development comes just two days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed he would overturn a prior decision to not recognise the 18-year-old Ordinary Seaman for his courage and bravery.

Sheean 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 turned back and strapped himself into the gun and began firing at the enemy aircraft.

Governor-General David Hurley has welcomed Her Majesty approving sailor Teddy Sheean for a Victoria Cross medal. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

He was the youngest member of ship and is understood to have fought until the very end, saving the lives of 49 crew.

Sheean’s family, war veterans and politicians have been fighting for his efforts to be recognised for the past 32 years.

Mr Hurley said in remembering Sheean and his service, Australia preserved the legacy of a generation that served and shaped the nation.

“This is an inspiring story,” he said.

Royal Australian Navy chief Vice Admiral Michael Noonan said Sheean’s actions on December 1, 1942 were absolutely among the most conspicuous, and most gallant seen in the navy.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision formalises what we already know, “Teddy Sheean is an Australian hero”.

A ceremony is expected to be held in coming months due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions.