Trooper Mark Donaldson VC - 7:30 Report Coverage on the Awarding of His Victoria Cross

A brilliant coverage by the ABC's 7:30 Report of the awarding of the Victoria Cross to Trooper Mark Donaldson by Australia's Governor General, Quentin Bryce. The previous VC recipient, Keith Payne VC is also featured. There is coverage of the very stunning and moving tribute by Defence Chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, saluting Mark Donaldson; an act which he need not do to anyone. This is the first VC to be awarded in Australia in 40 years. Mark Donaldson's beautiful and very proud wife, and daughter, are also featured. We are all proud of you Trooper Donaldson VC and -we-, salute, -you-.

Mark is also the recipient of the Young Australian of the Year, 2010.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• VC
• Victoria Cross
• ABC
• 7:30 Report
• Young Australian of the Year

[Nighthawkx15]

The Aussies are some of the very best soldiers in the world. Respect from the UK and gratitude for their courage and dedication

[davidxxxxq]

@Nighthawkx15 Hey, you Brits on the front lines [of service] are too damn bad yourselves, and likewise back to you. I'd put my life in the hands of a Brit solider any day.

[stymiedagain]

As a Canadian I'd like to salute Mark Donaldson and all those Australian soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

[Dutychief]

Respect.....

[simoncuming41]

i like it when these guys play down the award. Its their job after all. But sometimes i think they have to play it down because this enables them to to get over the trauma of the event. It must have been one where he could easily have died.

[solidschnake]

fyi 5:43 is where he gets saluted. the best part. thumbs up so people can see 

[MsTeranca]

One does not salute the soldier but salutes the medal and what it represents

[romallivgf]

I'm surprised nobody here said he is such a hottie!

[PlayThePiano14]

It is required to salute the holder of a VC, it isn't optional! It's just so rare as there are so few of them!

[brianclough]

Awesome - An ACM saluting trooper! And deservedly too

[jakeman121acdc]

Bugger me the chief of defence fella looks like he hasnt done too bad himself check out his brass.