MCDONALD, Mervyn John
| Service Number: | 8252467 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Commando Regiment |
| Born: | Carnarvon, Western Australia, 1982 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Soldier |
| Died: | Accidental (Helicopter crash), Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, 30 August 2012 |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Geraldton Afghanistan Honour Roll, Sale RSL Afghanistan Honour Roll, Two Wells Afghanistan War Memorial, Yungaburra Afghanistan Avenue of Honour |
Afghanistan Service
| 30 Aug 2012: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Lance Corporal, 8252467, 2nd Commando Regiment |
|---|
Help us honour Mervyn John McDonald's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by VWM Australia
VALE -Department of Defence
Lance Corporal McDonald was serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan when he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on 30 August 2012 (local time Afghanistan).
Thirty-year old Lance Corporal McDonald was born in Carnarvon, Western Australia in 1982. He joined the Army on 31 May 1999 and was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR). On completion of his Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle, Lance Corporal McDonald was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in August 2008. Lance Corporal McDonald was on his sixth tour to Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal McDonald was quick witted and brought a positive energy to both his unit comrades and all those who served with him. A dedicated and enthusiastic professional soldier, he was always willing to come forward with ideas and solutions. He was a highly professional soldier, but his quiet nature and humility meant he always deflected credit back on to fellow members of his Company.
Lance Corporal McDonald has been awarded the following honours and awards:
Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp East Timor and ICAT
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
the Australian Service Medal with Clasp East Timor, Timor Leste and CT/SR
Australian Defence Medal
United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor Medal
Timor Leste Solidarity Medal
NATO non article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF and Multiple Tour Indicator (2)
Commander 1st Division Commendation
Infantry Combat Badge
Returned from Active Service Badge
During Lance Corporal McDonald’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations;
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Jul - Aug 2012
Operation Norwich (Australia) Nov 2011
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Jul - Aug 2011
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Apr - May 2011
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Feb - Mar 2011
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Mar - Jun 2010
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Mar - Jul 2009
Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) Mar - Jun 2007
Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) May - Sep 2006
Operation Citadel (East Timor) May - Oct 2003
Operation Tanager (East Timor) Oct 2000 - Apr 2001
Lance Corporal McDonald is survived by his fiancée Rachael, his mother Myrna and stepfather Bernie, and brothers Percy, Roger and Gary.
Click images to start slideshow.