Medal of the Order of Australia : K Payne VC

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Engraved reverse with recipient's details.

Keith Payne was born at Ingham, Queensland, on 30 August 1933. He joined the Australian Regular Army in 1951 and was posted to Korea the following year. In the next decade he served in Malaya and Papua New Guinea, and was appointed to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam in February 1969.

In May of that year in Kontum Province, Payne’s company came under heavy attack. As the local troops fell back, Payne, wounded and under constant fire, valiantly fought to hold off the enemy. Having rallied his own men, he then set about bringing in the wounded, including an American advisor. For his actions he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the United States Distinguished Service Cross, the United States Silver Star and the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star. Payne was the last Australian to receive the Victoria Cross under the Imperial system.

After his retirement Payne settled in Queensland and in 2006 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia 'for service to the community, particularly through support for youth programs and veterans groups.' In June 2015 he was further recognised when he was appointed Member of the Order of Australia for 'significant service to veterans and their families as an ambassador, patron and as an advocate for veterans' health and welfare.'

Payne’s Medal of the Order of Australia is preceded by the Victoria Cross and is accompanied by the Australian Active Service Medal, service medals for Korea, Malaya, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medals, the Centenary Medal, Long Service Medals, awards from the United States, South Vietnam and Malaysia, and campaign medals for private foreign military service.