Western Australian soldier joins nation's bravest

Acting Premier Dr Kim Hames today joined with dignitaries across the nation in saluting Western Australian soldier Mark Donaldson for being awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry.

Trooper Donaldson became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross of Australia and the first VC winner since 1969.

"Active Australian troops perform acts of bravery on a regular basis but the actions of Trooper Mark Donaldson in Afghanistan last year place him in a category that only Victoria Cross winners reach," Dr Hames said.

"According to his medal citation, this Special Air Services' trooper showed 'most conspicuous acts of gallantry in a circumstance of great peril' and, on behalf of the people of Western Australia, I offer our heartfelt congratulations and indebtedness for his bravery."

The citation described the events of September 2 last year in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan when Trooper Donaldson's unit was ambushed:

'During a prolonged and effective enemy ambush on numerous occasions he deliberately drew the enemy's fire in order to allow wounded soldiers to be moved to safety.

'As the battle raged around him he saw that a coalition force interpreter was lying motionless on exposed ground.

'With complete disregard for his own safety, on his initiative and alone, Trooper Donaldson ran back 80 metres across exposed ground to rescue the interpreter and carry him back to his vehicle.

'Trooper Donaldson then rejoined his patrol and continued to engage the enemy while remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire.'

The Acting Premier said Mark Donaldson had become the first winner of the Victoria Cross for Australia, which replaced the imperial honour in 1991.  There have been 96 winners of the previously-awarded Imperial Victoria Cross.

"Trooper Donaldson joins Edward Kenna (New Guinea 1945) and Keith Payne(Vietnam 1969) as the three living Australian VC winners," Dr Hames said.