Private Richard Leslie Nordern awarded Victoria Cross Today
In a historic recognition of bravery during the Vietnam War, Australia has awarded the Victoria Cross to Private Richard Leslie Nordern, who served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and displayed extraordinary courage in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral. The posthumous award was presented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn following the national Remembrance Day service in Canberra on November 11, 2024.
The Victoria Cross recognizes Nordern’s gallant actions on May 14, 1968, during a pivotal and gruelling conflict in the Vietnam War. The Battle of Coral-Balmoral, fought between May and June 1968, was among the most challenging and costly battles for Australian forces in the Vietnam War. Facing intense North Vietnamese and Viet Cong offensives, Australian soldiers, including Nordern, were tasked with defending the forward operating bases Coral and Balmoral in South Vietnam’s Bien Hoa province. Their bravery in this battle is a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the Australian military in an unforgiving conflict.
Private Nordern’s actions on that day are noted for their conspicuous gallantry and devotion to his comrades, qualities that have earned him the Victoria Cross—the highest military award for bravery in Australia. The Victoria Cross for Australia is awarded for exceptional acts of heroism under fire, conspicuous gallantry, and unwavering devotion to duty, recognizing service members who perform beyond the call of duty under life-threatening conditions.
This honour brings the total number of Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians to 101. Governed by the approval of the King and awarded on the recommendation of Australia’s Defence Minister, the medal serves as a lasting symbol of sacrifice and courage. Governor-General Mostyn’s presentation highlighted the enduring legacy of the ANZAC spirit and reinforced the solemn reverence for Australia’s military history, especially on Remembrance Day, when Australians honour those who served and fell in defence of their nation.
56 years for an award?
Well deserved – annoyed it took more than half a century to finally recognise this hero. That in itself is disappointing and disgraceful.
This is a clear message to the responsible Minister to do the right thing for 2,500 NS Vietnam veterans from across the nation who also have been waiting patiently for over 50 years to be fully recognised with the RVCM for their lawful service. You know it can be done but you refuse to make a decision.
There was and is a criteria in place for the award of this medal and if you didn’t meet it, you don’t qualify. Simple. Perhaps you feel that you should also be awarded the Star of Courage too. After all, others have received it so why not you.
So sad to see it has taken so long in nominating and recognising Private Nordern’s courage.. The “delay” meant this courageous Australian digger could have and should have received his meritorious Victoria Cross in the presence of his family and more-so received it when he was still with us. What went wrong? As l understand “a medal allocation’ was preconceived for the Vietnam War
Hence we saw many officers being decorated without being on the front line.. speaking with a SAS friend, this still goes on with Officers being external to any war zone and still being decorated having not been at the fore of battle. Having been at the Battle of Binh Ba, not that l believed l was anywhere near recognition, there were others who in my opinion should have been recognised.
Thank you for your service Private Nordern, thank you for your courageous exploits under fire and congratulations on your recognition even though it is well over due.
Duty done mate, rest in peace.
It hasn’t actually taken 50+ years to recognize his heroism. He was awarded the DCM at the time. As second only to the VC, the DCM is pretty heavy duty recognition.
Why does it take the brass so long to recognize exceptional BRAVERY?