NORDEN, Richard Leslie
| Service Number: | 2412437 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 27 April 1966 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) |
| Born: | Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia, 24 August 1948 |
| Home Town: | Gundagai, Gundagai, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Gundagai Central School , New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Soldier / Policeman |
| Died: | Police Motorcycle Accident, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 30 October 1972, aged 24 years |
| Cemetery: |
Woden (Canberra) Public Cemetery, ACT H - AN - A - 124 |
| Memorials: |
Vietnam War Service
| 27 Apr 1966: | Enlisted Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 2412437 | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Dec 1967: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 2412437, 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit, Vietnam | |
| 31 Jan 1968: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 2412437, 7th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR) | |
| 10 Apr 1968: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 2412437, 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) | |
| 29 Aug 1968: | Honoured Distinguished Conduct Medal | |
| 11 Nov 2024: | Honoured Victoria Cross |
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"On 14 May 1968, Private Norden’s platoon came under heavy fire during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral. Using his initiative and demonstrating a depth of care for his mates, Private Norden rescued a wounded soldier and recovered the body of another, with little cover and under intense enemy fire. His actions also secured the enemy position and avoided the potential for further casualties of platoon members.
Private Norden’s service to his country continued when he returned to Australia and became an Australian Capital Territory police officer.
He died at the young age of 24 following a traffic accident while he was on duty."
On November 11 2024, he was posthumously recognised with the Victoria Cross for Australia.
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