Mark Donaldson
Recipient of the Victoria Cross · Australia · On the map · Born 1979 · age 47
Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson is an Australian soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award in the Australian honours system.
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Photos 4
The M4 carbine used by Donaldson during the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on display at the Australian War Memorial
Donaldson with family (centre) and other dignitaries after the investiture ceremony.
Donaldson's medals on display at the Australian War Memorial in March 2009Awards
About this person
Then Trooper Donaldson was a member of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) when he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect injured troops and then rescued an interpreter under heavy enemy fire in the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan during Operation Slipper, the Australian contribution to the War in Afghanistan. He was presented with the decoration by the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, in a ceremony in Canberra on 16 January 2009. On 25 January 2010, Donaldson was named the 2010 Young Australian of the Year. He was promoted to corporal in June 2010.