Soldier awarded VC for Afghanistan bravery
By Online parliamentary correspondent Emma Rodgers
A special forces soldier who braved enemy fire to save the life of an interpreter caught in a Taliban ambush has become the first Australian in 40 years to be presented with the Victoria Cross.
The Special Operations Task Group member dashed 80 metres under heavy enemy fire to rescue an injured Afghan interpreter and carry him to safety.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Trooper Donaldson deliberately drew enemy fire away from his wounded comrades during the ambush on Australian, US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province on September 2 last year.
He also administered first aid to others who were wounded before rejoining his patrol to continue fighting
Nine Australian soldiers were wounded in the ambush, the highest in one incident since the Vietnam War.
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