Private Richard Norden’s family and friends have expressed disappointment over the prolonged process leading to the posthumous awarding of the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honor. The delay and lack of communication surrounding the decision had a significant impact on Norden’s widow and sons.
Richard Norden was recognized for his valor during the Vietnam War, specifically at the battle of Fire Support Base Coral in 1968, where he bravely risked his life to aid a wounded comrade. Despite the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal’s recommendation in July 2022, it took over two years for the government to announce the VC award in November 2024.
His brother, Rodger Norden, described the entire process as a “debacle,” emphasizing the stress and uncertainty the family endured without any updates from the government until the last moment. Chris Forde, Norden’s platoon commander in Vietnam, highlighted how the prolonged decision-making process affected the family and veterans alike, leaving them in a state of limbo.
Defence Minister Richard Marles defended the government’s timeline, stating that the meticulous consideration was necessary to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the decision. He emphasized the significance of upholding the Victoria Cross’s prestige and the need for thorough evaluation before finalizing such an esteemed award.
Although there was no official apology for the delay, Marles underscored the gravity of the decision and the need for a comprehensive review process. The approval for awarding the Victoria Cross must ultimately come from the sovereign, in this case, King Charles, who sanctioned the honor on October 1 of the same year.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel George Hulse, who had been advocating for Norden’s recognition since 2017, expressed his hope that the announcement might coincide with a royal visit. Hulse’s persistent efforts, including taking the case to the Defence Directorate for Honours and Awards after an initial rejection, eventually led to the tribunal ruling in favor of the appeal.
Mr. Hulse’s relentless pursuit of justice underscores the deep sense of camaraderie and commitment within the Australian Army, where recognizing and honoring veterans’ sacrifices is considered a vital part of service. His dedication and advocacy efforts were instrumental in ensuring that Private Richard Norden’s bravery and sacrifice were duly acknowledged.
The recognition of Norden’s valor and the subsequent awarding of the Victoria Cross is a testament to the enduring spirit of courage and selflessness displayed by individuals in the line of duty. The lengthy process, while challenging for the family and supporters, ultimately culminated in a significant acknowledgment of Norden’s extraordinary acts of bravery during a tumultuous period in history.
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