Rupert Vance Moon

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Rupert Moon

Rupert Vance "Mick" Moon VC (14 August 1892–28 February 1986) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 24 years old, and a lieutenant in the 58th Battalion (Victoria), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 May 1917 near Bullecourt, France, Lieutenant Moon's immediate objective was a position in advance of a hostile trench, and then against the trench itself, after the capture of which it was intended that his men should co-operate in a further assault. Although wounded in the initial advance, he reached the first objective, but was again wounded in the assault on the trench. He nevertheless continued to inspire and encourage his men and captured the trench, but was again wounded when consolidating the position. It was not until he was severely wounded for a fourth time that he agreed to retire from the fight.

He later achieved the rank of captain.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.

[edit] Memorial Garden

Memorial Garden with Army Reservists of 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment

On 12 May 2008, the Rupert Vance Moon V.C. Memorial Garden was unveiled at the Mount Duneed Cemetery, with a large crowd in attendance, including Moon's decendents, representatives from the Returned and Services League of Australia, and past and present soldiers.