Reading any citation released from the Department of Defence raises emotions of pride, respect, gratitude and an overwhelming feeling of sadness. Australia's 100th Victoria Cross recipient and Burnie-born soldier Cameron Baird's citation exemplifies the Anzac Spirit surviving long after the landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.
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Corporal Baird was awarded the Victoria Cross for "the most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice at Ghawchak village, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan". On June 22, 2013, a Special Operations Task Group conducted a helicopter assault in order to attack an insurgent network deep within enemy-held territory.
"Shortly after insertion, Corporal Baird's team was engaged by small arms fire from several enemy positions. Corporal Baird quickly seized the initiative, leading his team to neutralise the positions, killing six enemy combatants and enabling the assault to continue," the citation read.
The citation describes the steps Corporal Baird completed to ensure his team could neutralise the enemy and secure an advantage. Descriptions like "complete disregard for his own safety" were used to describe his actions.Corporal Baird went on to draw fire, moved closer and suppressed the enemy machine gun position. On three separate occasions, he charged an enemy-held building, despite being totally exposed.
"In his third attempt, the enemy was neutralised and the advantage was regained, but Corporal Baird was killed in the effort.
"Corporal Baird's acts of valour and self-sacrifice regained the initiative and preserved the lives of his team members. His actions were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force."
There are many more citations we could and should share with every Australian. It's also a solid reminder that while the acts of the original Anzacs will never be forgotten, their bravery and mateship has lived on through the many Australian servicemen and women.
Lest we forget.