| Horace William Madden | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | "Slim" |
| Born | 14 February 1924 Cronulla, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 6 November 1951 (aged 27) Kangdong, Korea |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1942 – 1947 1950 – 1951 |
| Rank | Private |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | George Cross |
Horace William Madden GC (14 February 1924 – 6 November 1951) was a posthumous Australian recipient of the George Cross for his conduct while a Prisoner of War during the Korean War.
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St. James's Palace, S.W.1. 30th December, 1955.The QUEEN has been graciously pleased, on the advice of Her Majesty's Australian Ministers, to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS, in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst a prisoner of war in Korea, to:—
2/400186 Private Horace William MADDEN (deceased) 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Private Madden was captured by Chinese Communist Forces on 24th April, 1951, near Kapyong. He was a signaller attached to Battalion Headquarters at the time and received concussion prior to capture.
Private Madden was held prisoner by the enemy until about 6th November, 1951, when he died of malnutrition and the result of ill-treatment. During this period he openly resisted all enemy efforts to force him to collaborate, to such a degree that his name and example were widely known through the various groups of prisoners. Testimonials have been provided by Officers and men from many units of the Commonwealth and Allied Forces which show that the heroism he displayed was quite outstanding.
Despite repeated beatings and many other forms of ill-treatment inflicted because of has defiance to his captors, Private Madden remained cheerful and optimistic. Although deprived of food because of his behaviour, resulting in severe malnutrition, he was known to share his meagre supplies purchased from Koreans with other prisoners who were sick.
It would have been apparent to Private Madden that to pursue this course must eventually result in his death. This did not deter him, and for over six months, although becoming progressively weaker, he remained undaunted in his resistance. He would in no way co-operate with the enemy.
This gallant soldier's outstanding heroism was an inspiration to all his fellow prisoners.[1]
The George Cross was presented to his sister on 9 May 1956 by the Governor of New South Wales, Lieutenant General Sir John Northcott.
Australian Dictionary of Biography article accessed 19 November 2007