Award of the Victoria Cross for Australia to the late Private Richard Norden

The Governor-General has announced that His Majesty The King has granted approval for the Victoria Cross for Australia to be posthumously awarded to the late Private Richard Norden of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR).

“Recently, I had the solemn privilege of informing Private Norden’s widow, Mrs. Robynn Freeman, that His Majesty has approved the awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia to her late husband,” the Governor-General stated.

Private Norden’s citation reads:

“For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in the presence of the enemy in the ‘AO Surfers’ Area of Operations in Bien Hoa province, Vietnam, on 14 May 1968, during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.”

Full details of Private Norden’s remarkable actions in battle are included below.

Tragically, Private Norden died in 1972 while serving with the Australian Capital Territory Police. His award of the Victoria Cross for Australia, the nation’s highest military honour, speaks to his exceptional courage and selflessness in combat, and it underscores the enduring legacy of bravery upheld by generations of Australian service personnel.

“This is a historic moment for Australia and for the Australian Defence Force,” said the Governor-General. “It is a deeply significant day for Private Norden’s family and loved ones. When I spoke with Mrs. Freeman, I conveyed the gratitude of all Australians for her late husband’s service and courage. I hope this recognition, our nation’s highest, will bring her a renewed sense of pride and affirmation that he will never be forgotten.”

Mrs. Freeman released the following statement:

“We are honoured that His Majesty has approved the Victoria Cross for Australia for Richard, recognised his gallant actions while serving in Vietnam. We would like to keep this special occasion private, and we request that any further inquiries be directed to the Department of Defence or the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.”

The Governor-General has assured Mrs. Freeman that a special investiture ceremony will be planned with the utmost respect and dignity to mark this prestigious award and its importance to the nation.

Citation Details: Private Richard Norden, Victoria Cross for Australia

Private Richard Norden’s actions on 14 May 1968 were exemplary in their bravery. While serving with the 5th Platoon, B Company, of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), in the AO Surfers Area of Operations in Bien Hoa province, Vietnam, his platoon came under heavy ambush from an estimated squad of seven to ten North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers. As a member of the lead section, Private Norden immediately took action under intense enemy fire, advancing forward to reach his wounded Section Commander and forward scout.

In his initial advance, Private Norden killed one NVA soldier and, upon expending his ammunition, recovered that enemy’s weapon and continued his assault. Displaying extraordinary valour, he then half-carried, half-dragged his seriously wounded Section Commander back to safety. Despite his own severe injuries, Private Norden returned to the line, pressing forward again to reach the forward scout. In a final act of selflessness, he neutralized another NVA soldier who was using the scout as a shield, only to confirm that the scout had been killed. Determined to secure the area, Private Norden gathered grenades, advanced for a third time, and cleared the position, allowing the scout’s body to be recovered.

Private Norden’s courage and self-sacrifice enabled his platoon to secure the position, and his actions likely saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. His legacy as a courageous and selfless soldier will be forever honoured by this award.