Image Gallery: January 2009
16 January 2009
Awarding of Victoria Cross to Trooper Donaldson
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, congratulated Trooper Mark Donaldson as he became the first Australian in almost forty years to be awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honour.
The Victoria Cross is only presented to those who have displayed the most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action. There are only ten surviving recipients in the world today.
Trooper Donaldson’s actions under fire in Afghanistan resulted in ensuring the safety of other members of the combine Australian, Afghan and US forces, and ultimately saved the life of a coalition interpreter. He displayed exceptional courage in face of extreme danger.
Tradition holds that even the most senior military officers salute a Victoria Cross recipient, as a sign of respect for their act of gallantry.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said it would be his honour to salute Trooper Donaldson.
| 20090116adf8054893_001 Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC at today's ceremony. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_004 Mr Keith Payne VC congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC at today's ceremony along with Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (right), Mrs Emma Donaldson and daughter Kaylee with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP (left). (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_006 Mr Keith Payne VC congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC at today's ceremony. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_007 Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia pins the Victoria Cross to Trooper Mark Donaldson VC. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_009 A congratulatory kiss from wife Emma to Trooper Mark Donaldson VC; with the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie; Mrs Houston and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston looking on. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_010 The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, congratulates Trooper Mark Donaldson VC with Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, at Government house today. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_011 Senior dignitaries pose for an official photograph with Trooper Mark Donaldson VC at Government House. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_012 Trooper Mark Donaldson VC, wife Emma Donaldson and daughter Kaylee pose for photographs at today's ceremony. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090116adf8054893_013 Trooper Mark Donaldson VC, wife Emma Donaldson and daughter Kaylee pose for photographs at today's ceremony. (Date taken: 16 January 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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