Medal for Gallantry

Medal for Gallantry



Obverse of medal and ribbon
Awarded by Australia
Type Medal
Eligibility Members of the Australian Defence Force
Awarded for "acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances"[1]
Status Currently awarded
Post-nominals MG
Statistics
Established 15 January 1991
First awarded 1996
Last awarded 2015 Australia Day Honours
Total awarded 56
Order of Wear
Next (higher) Nursing Service Cross[2]
Next (lower) Bravery Medal[2]

The Medal for Gallantry (MG) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It recognises acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances. The MG was introduced on 15 January 1991, replacing the Imperial equivalent. It is ranked third in the Gallantry Decorations in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Medal of Gallantry are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "MG". Since its inception 55 awards have been made.

Description

Decoration allowance

Veterans who are paid disability pension under the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986 (the Act), and who have been awarded a gallantry award specified in the Act, including the Medal for Gallantry, are also paid a decoration allowance. In May 2011, the allowance was A$2.10 per fortnight.[3]

Notable recipients

List of recipients

# Name Date awarded Citation Notes
05 Arrowsmith, CAPT Thomas HenryCAPT Thomas Henry Arrowsmith 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [10]
Avery, CPL Ryan JamesCPL Ryan James Avery 11 June 2012 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances on 4 December 2010 while a sniper team member in Mentoring Task Force - Two on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan.
B (Brett Wood), CPLCPL B (Brett Wood) 13 June 2011 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan in 2008 (sic - the actions were in 2006). [8]
B (2013), CPLCPL B (2013) 26 January 2013 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances.
Baird, CPL Cameron StewartCPL Cameron Stewart Baird November 2007 For his conduct during a close quarters combat in Afghanistan during Operation SLIPPER in November 2007
04 Bolitho, 2LT Graeme Eric2LT Graeme Eric Bolitho 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [11]
06 Bourke, CAPT James RaymondCAPT James Raymond Bourke 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [12]
17 Burridge, CPL John Douglas CampbellCPL John Douglas Campbell Burridge 1 December 1999 (Vietnam[13][9][14]) [15]
18 Byng, CPL Trevor WilliamCPL Trevor William Byng 1 December 1999 (Vietnam[13][9]) [16]
25 C (Matthew Locke), SGTSGT C (Matthew Locke) 2 December 2006 For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as the second-in-command of a Special Air Service Regiment patrol in the Special Forces Task Group whilst deployed on Operation Slipper, Afghanistan, in 2006. [17][5]
C (2013) 10 June 2013 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a team commander, Special Operations Task Group on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan.
Cash, MAJ Daniel SebastianMAJ Daniel Sebastian Cash 26 January 2008 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances during operations against Taliban and Anti Coalition Militia while deployed on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan, from June to October 2006. [18]
19 Cashmore, SGT Frank CarrSGT Frank Carr Cashmore 1 December 1999 (Vietnam[13][9]) [19]
20 Casson, Private Kevin GeorgePrivate Kevin George Casson 1 December 1999 (Vietnam[13][9]) [20]
Chalk, Michael PatrickMichael Patrick Chalk 26 January 2014 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while an Engineer Search Commander in the Tangi Valley, Afghanistan, on 10 March 2012.
Clarke, LCPL Brendan MichaelLCPL Brendan Michael Clarke 13 June 2011 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while a rifleman with Team Three, Mentoring Team C, Mentoring Task Force 1, in the Central Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan on 15 March and 8 July 2010.
21 Collett, SGT Brian JohnSGT Brian John Collett 1 December 1999 (Vietnam[13][9]) [21]
Cox, Private David WilliamPrivate David William Cox 26 January 2010 For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while a rifleman and combat first aider in Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 at Kakarak, Afghanistan on 16 March 2009.
D, SGTSGT D 26 January 2012 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances. [22]
Diddams, Blaine FlowerBlaine Flower Diddams 10 June 2013 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a patrol commander, Special Operations Task Group Rotation XVII on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan on 2 July 2012.
Dolan, WO2 Kevin BedeWO2 Kevin Bede Dolan 13 June 2011 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while a joint terminal attack controller for Mentoring Team A, Mentoring Task Force 1, at Sorkh Lez in the Mirabad Valley, Afghanistan on 2 July 2010.
26 E (Benjamin Roberts-Smith), LCPLLCPL E (Benjamin Roberts-Smith) 2 December 2006 For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a patrol sniper in the Special Operations Task Group – Task Force 637, whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER Rotation Three Afghanistan, May – September 2006. [17][6]
27 F, TrooperTrooper F 2 December 2006 For gallantry in action in extremely hazardous conditions, as a patrol member in the Special Forces Task Group whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER, Afghanistan in 2006. [17]
07 Green, CAPT Paul EllisCAPT Paul Ellis Green 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [23]
22 HANDLEY, Trooper Daniel JohnTrooper Daniel John HANDLEY 1 December 1999 (Vietnam[13][9]) [24]
08 HEALY, MAJ John BoydMAJ John Boyd HEALY 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [25]
09 HINDSON, LT William FrancisLT William Francis HINDSON 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [26]
HOLDER, CPL Jeremy ThomasCPL Jeremy Thomas HOLDER 26 January 2008 For an act of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a Medical Assistant within the Special Operations Task Group - Task Force 637, while deployed on Operation. [18]
HUGGETT, CPL Justin WayneCPL Justin Wayne HUGGETT 8 June 2009 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while deployed in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, The Grenadier Guards Battle Group during Exercise LONG LOOK 2007.
J, CPLCPL J 26 January 2013 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan, June 2010.
K, PrivatePrivate K 26 January 2012 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances. [22]
KENDALL, 2LT Geoff2LT Geoff KENDALL 18 August 2008 For actions during the Vietnam War. [27]
LANGER, Private Paul BjornPrivate Paul Bjorn LANGER 26 January 2012 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances on 24 August 2010 while a rifleman with Mentoring Team Delta, the 1st Mentoring Task Force at Derapet, Tangi Valley, Afghanistan. [22]
LANIGAN, SGT Sean AnthonySGT Sean Anthony LANIGAN 26 January 2012 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances on 24 August 2010 while a platoon sergeant and mentor with Mentoring Team Delta, the 1st Mentoring Task Force at Derapet, Tangi Valley, Afghanistan. [22]
LINES, WO2 John Matthew (Matt)WO2 John Matthew (Matt) LINES 26 January 2010 For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while acting as an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team member at Kakarak, Afghanistan on 4 January 2009.
10 MCDONALD, MAJ WilliamMAJ William MCDONALD 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [28]
11 MCFARLANE, MAJ Ian DavidMAJ Ian David MCFARLANE 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [29]
01 MILLER, CPL Andrew Colin 25 November 1996 Awarded for actions in 1995 whilst serving with UNAMIR in Rwanda.
N , CPLCPL N 26 January 2013 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances.
23 ODDY, Steven 25 March 2000 For gallantry on 16 October 1999 while leading a patrol in the vicinity of Aidabasalaia, East Timor, during Operation WARDEN.
12 PEACOCK, CAPT Christopher John GilbertCAPT Christopher John Gilbert PEACOCK 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [30]
Robertson, Bombadier David StevenBombadier David Steven Robertson 11 June 2012 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances on 20 March 2011 while a joint fires observer in Mentoring Task Force - Two on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan.
SABBEN, 2LT David R2LT David R SABBEN 18 August 2008 For actions during the Vietnam War. [31]
S, TrooperTrooper S 26 January 2009 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances in Afghanistan as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operation SLIPPER, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
02 SCOTT, WO2 Rodrick Malcolm 25 November 1996 Awarded for actions in 1995 whilst serving with UNAMIR in Rwanda.
13 SIBREE, CAPT Peter AndrewCAPT Peter Andrew SIBREE 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [32]
SIME, Petty Officer Benjamin JamesPetty Officer Benjamin James SIME 26 January 2009 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances during a waterborne terrorist attack in the North Persian Gulf, Iraq, during Operation CATALYST.
14 SMITH, CAPT Bevan JohnCAPT Bevan John SMITH 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [33]
15 SULLIVAN, 2LT Brian John2LT Brian John SULLIVAN 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [34]
T , PrivatePrivate T 11 June 2012 For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while deployed on Operation SLIPPER.
TARABORRELLI, CPL Giancarlos BrasilCPL Giancarlos Brasil TARABORRELLI 26 January 2010 For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team member at Kakarak, Afghanistan on 16 March 2009.
03 TILBROOK, LT Thomas Steven 25 November 1996 Awarded for actions in 1995 whilst serving with UNAMIR in Rwanda.
04 Vaughan-Evans, Major Carol LouiseMajor Carol Louise Vaughan-Evans 25 November 1996 For distinguished service, particularly in response to the massacre of civilian refugees at Kibeho on 22 April 1995 whilst serving with UNAMIR II in Rwanda. [35]
24 WALLACE, Signalman Martin 'Jock'Signalman Martin 'Jock' WALLACE 27 November 2002 Wallace was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his efforts on 2 March 2002, during Operation Anaconda, while attached to the United States 10th Mountain Division in the Shahi Kot Valley, Afghanistan. [36]
16 WILLIAMS, 2LT Clive Owen Gestern2LT Clive Owen Gestern WILLIAMS 3 June 1998 (Vietnam[9]) [37]

Number awarded

In March 2014, only 46 recipients were listed on the "It's an Honour" website. A further 8 recipients have been identified from official publications of the Governor General, the Department of Defence and from special issues of the Australian Government Gazette.

Many of the awards have been presented at the official Australia Day ceremonies - held on 26 January - and Queen's Birthday ceremonies - held on the 2nd Monday in June.

Year Australia
Day 		Queen's
Birthday		 Other dates
2013 3 [38] - -
2012 4 [22] 3 [39] - -
2011 - [40] 3 [41] - -
2010 3 [42] - [43] - -
2009 2 [44] 1 [45] - -
2008 2 [46] - [47] 2 18 Aug 2008 [48]
2006 - - 3 2 Dec 2006 [17]
2002 - - 1 27 Nov 2002
2000 - - 1 25 March 2000
1999 - - 6 1 Dec 1999 [13]
1998 - - 13 3 Jun 1998 [9]
1996 - - 3 25 Nov 1996
Totals14 7 29 Total 50

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Medal for Gallantry". It's an Honour. Government of Australia. 13 April 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2007.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards" (PDF). Government House. 25 September 2007. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  3. ↑ "Veteran's Entitlements Act 1986 - Sect 102". Commonwealth Consolidated Acts. Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII). Retrieved 2007-11-17.
  4. ↑ Lee, Sandra (2006). 18 Hours: The true story of an SAS War Hero. Sydney: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-7322-8230-6.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Vale SGT Locke, defence.gov.au
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Benjamin Roberts-Smith, defence.gov.au
  7. ↑ Cowan, Sean; Taylor, Nick (22 January 2011). "WA digger awarded VC medal". The West Australian. Retrieved 22 January 2011.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "How Sgt Brett Wood earned a Medal for Gallantry in Afghanistan". The Herald Sun. 24 May 2011.
    Vale SGT Wood, defence.gov.au
    To be awarded the medal for gallantry, defence.gov.au
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 9.17 9.18 9.19 The Vietnam End of War List. Australian Awards to Service Personnel Announced 3 June 1998 and Subsequently. vvaa.org.au
  10. ↑ CAPT Thomas Henry Arrowsmith, Certificate, vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 10 Feb 1978, itsanhonour.gov.au; Mentioned in Despatches, 19 September 1969, awm.gov.au
  11. ↑ 2LT Graeme Eric Bolitho, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  12. ↑ CAPT James Raymond Bourke, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 9 May 1979;
    AM (Member of the Order of Australia) For service to veterans and their families through the establishment and implementation of 'Operation Aussies Home'. 26 January 2009
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 Awards vide Special Gazette No S565 dated Wednesday 1 Dec 1999 (as a result of the Independent Review of the End of War List)
  14. ↑ Report of the Independent Review Panel of the End of War List - Vietnam, 25 August 1999, defence.gov.au
  15. ↑ CPL John Douglas Campbell Burridge, Certificate, Mentioned in Despatches, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  16. ↑ CPL Trevor William Byng, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Soldiers' gallantry honoured, Defence Media Release MECC 337/06, 2 December 2006.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Mark Davis (2008) Gallantry of the highest order, Sydney Morning Herald, 26 January 2008
  19. ↑ Sgt Cashmore, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 15 May 1978
  20. ↑ Private Casson, Certificate and Mentioned in Despatches, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  21. ↑ Sgt Collett, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Medal for Gallantry - Australia Day 2012, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  23. ↑ Capt Green, Certificate and Mentioned in Despatches, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 15 May 1981
  24. ↑ Trooper Handley, Certificate and mentioned in Despatches, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  25. ↑ Maj Healey, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 14 July 1977; National Medal - 1st clasp, 15 May 1979
  26. ↑ Lt Hindson, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au;
    MC (Military Cross), Special Air Service - Vietnam - 10 December 1968;
    National Medal, 21 September 1977;
    Centenary Medal, "For many years voluntary service to veterans' associations and the Army" - 1 January 2001
  27. ↑ 2LT Kendall, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 19 March 1979
  28. ↑ Maj McDonald, Certificate and Mentioned in Despatches, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 14 July 1977; National Medal - 1st clasp, 23 October 1981
  29. ↑ Maj McFarlane, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 14 July 1977; National Medal - 1st clasp, 15 May 1979
  30. ↑ Capt Peacock, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 18 June 1980
  31. ↑ 2Lt Sabben, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  32. ↑ Capt Sibree, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 15 May 1978;
    AM (Member of the Order of Australia), "FOR SERVICE TO THE RAA AS COMMANDANT OF THE INFANTRY CENTRE COMMANDER SINGLETON MILITARY AREA". 11 June 1990
  33. ↑ Capt Smith, Certificate and Mentioned in Despatches, www.vietnamroll.gov.au
  34. ↑ 2LT Sullivan, Certificate and Mentioned in Despatches, www.vietnamroll.gov.au;
    MC (Military Cross), Armoured Regiment - Vietnam - 22 May 1970;
    National Medal, 11 March 1981
  35. ↑ "December 1996 : Gallant diggers". Army : The Soldiers' Newspaper (1225) (armynews.realviewdigital.com). 12 November 2009. p. 40.
  36. ↑ Lee, Sandra (2006) 18 Hours: The true story of an SAS War Hero. Sydney: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-7322-8230-6
  37. ↑ 2LT Williams, Certificate, www.vietnamroll.gov.au; National Medal, 9 May 1979
  38. ↑ Medal for Gallantry - Australia Day 2013, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  39. ↑ Medal for Gallantry - Queen's Birthday 2012, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  40. ↑ Honours Lists - Australia Day 2011, Governor General's website
  41. ↑ Medal for Gallantry - Queen's Birthday 2011, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  42. ↑ Medal for Gallantry - Australia Day 2010, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  43. ↑ Honours List - Queen's Birthday 2010, Governor General's website
  44. ↑ Medal for Gallantry - Australia Day 2009, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  45. ↑ Medal for Gallantry - Queen's Birthday 2009, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  46. ↑ Medal for Gallantry - Australia Day 2008, Media Notes, Governor General's website
  47. ↑ Honours List - Queen's Birthday 2008, Governor General's website
  48. ↑ Gallantry awards for actions during the Vietnam War, Special Gazette No. S167, 18 August 2008, Commonwealth of Australia

External links