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Major Peter Badcoe began his service in 1952, and served in Malaya from 1961 to 1963, before being deployed to Vietnam in August 1966. His Victoria Cross was awarded for his bravery under fire on three separate occasions on 23 February, 7 March and 7 April 1967. His VC citation summarised these actions.
| Major Badcoe’s conspicuous gallantry and leadership on all these occasions was an inspiration to all, each action, ultimately, was successful, due entirely to his efforts, the final one ending in his death. His valour and leadership were in the best traditions of the military profession and the Australian Regular Army.1 |
In addition to the VC, Major Badcoe received the American Silver Star and the Vietnamese awards the National Order of the Republic of Vietnam, three Crosses of Gallantry and the Armed Forces Honour Medal, 1st Class. Major Peter Badcoe VC was killed in action on 7 April 1967.
As part of the ANZAC Round Commemorations during the AFL Premiership season, Port Adelaide Football Club presents the Peter Badcoe VC Medal. Since 2004, the medal has been awarded to the player who, during the ANZAC Round, “best demonstrates the qualities of skill, courage in adversity, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play,”2 qualities that Major Peter Badcoe VC displayed in abundance throughout his service with the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.
Click here to find out more about the medal and see the list of past winners.
[1] “Peter Badcoe VC,” Remembrance Driveway, accessed 19/04/2017, http://www.remembrancedriveway.org.au/vc-citations/default.asp?ID=Badcoe
[2] Port Adelaide Football Club, “Peter Badcoe VC Medal,” accessed 19/04/2017, http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/club/history/award-winners/peter-badcoe-vc-medal