Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Vietnam War's Inaugural Medal of Honor Awardee Dies

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The Vietnam War’s Inaugural Medal of Honor Awardee, Roger H.C. Donlon, has passed away on January 25, just five days before his 90th birthday. 

Upon enlisting in the Army in 1958, Roger H.C. Donlon, already acquainted with military life from a stint in the Air Force in 1953, embarked on a journey that would lead him to become the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. Leaving the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1957 after initially enrolling, Donlon chose to pursue his destiny in the Army. Following Officer Candidate School, he qualified for Special Forces and was deployed to Vietnam in 1964. 

It was in July of that year that he displayed exceptional courage and tenacity in defending an Americal training camp, earning him the prestigious Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in the US Military. It's equivalent to Australia's Victoria Cross.
- Read more on Frontline
US Medal of Honor

Friday, January 26, 2024

Happy Australia Day 2024


We wish you a wonderful day celebrating this Australia Day 2024 under the flag of which we all served and many continue to serve. 

Click to enlarge Dorothea's poem


Sunday, January 21, 2024

Ukraine community farewells SA-based Soldiers

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Soldiers from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), 2nd Health Brigade and Land Combat College were farewelled in a ceremony at Defence Precinct Edinburgh, Adelaide, as they prepared to deploy on Operation Kudu in the United Kingdom. 

Deploying soldiers from 7RAR on parade during
 their farewell ceremony at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Adelaide. 
The 90-strong contingent will continue Australia’s assistance in training the Armed Forces of Ukraine in response to sustained Russian aggression. 

Alongside family, friends and local and federal politicians, members of South Australia’s Ukrainian community participated in the proceedings on 8 January, which included a Ukrainian Orthodox blessing and traditional Ukrainian customs. 

 Acting Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said Australians were proud of the troops who heading to the UK because they were standing up in the defence of the Ukrainian people and helping with the assistance of the training of Ukrainian soldiers. “They’re standing up to Russia’s illegal act of aggression and illegal invasion of Ukraine and, most importantly, they’re standing up to the important principles of freedom of liberty,” Mr Thistlethwaite said. 

President of the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia, Frank Fursenko stressed the importance of the strong ties that exist between Australia and Ukraine. “This war has had a devastating impact,” Mr Fursenko said. “Without Australia’s support, Ukraine would be in a very difficult situation.” 

This deployment is the fifth rotation of Australian troops, and the first from 7RAR, to participate in the UK-led multinational training mission. Focusing on basic infantry tactics, leadership and small-team training, contingent commander Major Michael Jack said he was ready to lead his soldiers. “7RAR soldiers are physically and mentally tough, professional, compassionate and courageous,” he said. “We take immense pride and humility in being able to be a small part in these people’s lives.” 

Commander 9th Brigade Brigadier Tim Orders reminded the troops of the significance of the task ahead. “Your presence signifies hope and solidarity in a time of need,” Brigadier Orders said. “Your efforts will not only strengthen our coalition’s resolve, but uphold the values of democracy and peace throughout the world.”

Acknowledgement: Story and photos by Captain Peter March and shared with permission from Contact 

Monday, January 15, 2024

Australian Defence Force Badges of Rank

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Click on the graphic to enlarge it
When I attended recruit training at RAAF Edinburgh a lifetime ago, I recall we did a session on badges of rank for the Australian Defence Force.
 

In one's own service (the Air Force for me), it was easy to recall the ranks up to about Group Captain and some of the ranks in the Army as I had been in the school Cadet Corp while at Boarding School in Charters Towers, Queensland. 

However, the RAN was a mystery as I never served anywhere near Navy personnel, even on the exercises I attended. I'd only seen Navy ships from afar in Sydney Harbour.

Later, I knew more about US Navy ranks after watching most of the episodes of "JAG" with the famous Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb and the rest of the crew. 

I'd worked closely with US Air Force members during my RAAF service, so I knew about some of their badges of rank too, even those who appeared to have an overabundance of stripes in their chevrons.

So here it is, the chart that tells all about our Defence Forces ranks from the bottom to the top

Editor.