Keighran VC unveils Victoria Cross in Memorial’s Hall of Valour

Australia’s latest Victoria Cross recipient, Corporal Daniel Keighran VC, today unveiled a display of his Victoria Cross in the Australian War Memorial’s Hall of Valour.

Corporal Keighran’s Victoria Cross, on loan to the Memorial, is displayed with his accompanying medal group in the exhibition honouring all the Australians who have received the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in time of war. The Hall of Valour recognises the deeds of ordinary Australians under the extraordinary conditions of war.

The Memorial’s Director, Dr Brendan Nelson, believes that Corporal Keighran exemplifies every quality this nation admires. “What he did in the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross was not only that of a courageous professional Australian soldier in the heat of intense combat, but it was an act of calculated selflessness for the safety of others - his mates. He is an inspiration to our nation, now and for all time. The Australian War Memorial is immensely proud in being able to exhibit his VC to allow his story to be shared and understood by all Australians”, said Dr Nelson.

Corporal Keighranis only the third recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia, which in 1991 replaced the British or Imperial Victoria Cross. Corporal Keighran’s Victoria Cross is the 69th to be on display at the Memorial; including all three Victoria Crosses for Australiaas well as three British medals.

“It’s a very proud moment to be back at the Australian War Memorial to unveil my VC medal display,” Corporal Keighran said.  “The Memorial has an extraordinary collection of Australian military history and I am very pleased that my medal is now here on display. It is also great to be joined by some Australian school students today, who have been teaching me about some of the things they have learnt during their previous visits to the Memorial.”

Corporal Daniel Alan Keighran was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia following his heroic actions at Derapet, Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, on 24 August 2010. His citation reads in part: “[Corporal Keighran’s] acts of exceptional courage in circumstances of great peril were instrumental in permitting the withdrawal of the combined Australian and Afghan patrol with no further casualties. His valour is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.”

Corporal Keighran’s medal group comprises of

• The Victoria Cross for Australia
• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp Iraq and Clasp ICAT
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp East Timor
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor Medal
• NATO Medal with Clasp ISAF

He also recently received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. This has been presented to the living Australian Victoria Cross, George Cross and Cross of Valour recipients as a personal gift of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Corporal Keighran is also entitled to the Meritorious Unit Citation for 1-MTF and the Infantry Combat Badge which are not on display with the medal group.