The Chief of the Defense Force General David Hurley AC, DSC has commended 19 Australian Defense Force (ADF) members who were formally recognized for their bravery and devotion to duty in perilous circumstances.
The Governor-General of Australia Her Excellency the Honorable Quentin Bryce AC, CVO awarded a Group Bravery Citation to ADF and Australian and Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) personnel who rescued people from a suspected illegal entry vessel off Christmas Island in 2010 as well as two Australian Army Black Hawk crews who conducted rescue operations during the 2013 Queensland floods.
“Members of the Australian Defense Force are known for their professionalism and compassion in times of crisis. Despite the obvious danger, these individuals put the lives of others ahead of their own and I am immensely proud of them for their selfless actions,” General Hurley said.
On December 15, 2010, members of the ADF and ACBPS embarked in HMAS Pirie and Australian Customs Vessel (ACV) Triton rescued 41 people from a sinking vessel in the water off Christmas Island. The suspected illegal entry vessel smashed into the rocks in rough seas, throwing approximately 100 people into the water.
“Over several hours rescue crews maneuvered through the wreckage, skirting the cliff face to pull survivors from rough seas. On several occasions rescuers were forced to use their own bodies to stop the survivors being washed back into the water,” General Hurley said.
On January 28, 2013, two Black Hawk crews from the 5th Aviation Regiment, Warhorse 104 and Warhorse 214, were conducting evacuation operations in northern Bundaberg. Rescue efforts were hampered by strong winds and power lines, forcing crews to conduct several hazardous high lift hoists.
“Over a two hour period Warhorse 204 rescued six people while their comrades in Warhorse 214 winched another five people to safety. Their persistence and determination to get these people to safety is matched only by their skill,” General Hurley said.
“These individuals have demonstrated great courage and teamwork in the face of grave danger to save lives. They are a credit to the Australian Defense Force and this nation.”
Members of the Australian Defense Force and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service personnel assigned to BPC who were involved in the rescue of 41 people when a suspected illegal entry vessel impacted the rocks at Rocky Point, Christmas Island on December 15, 2010.
ADF personnel
Able Seaman Daniel Blackburn
Leading Seaman Mitchell Davidson
Lieutenant Jeremy Evain Ran
Private Dane Heinemann
Leading Seaman Adam Hubbard
Chief Petty Officer Raymond Manley
Private Kale Morrissey
Leading Seaman Shannon Mundy-Castle
Able Seaman Cory Roberts
Able Seaman Jake Smith
Private Samuel Williamson-Robertson
ACBPS personnel
Michael Burgress
Troy Daniels
Graham Gourlay
Paul Jardine
Brett Marmont
Leigh Rule
The Australian Defense Force helicopter crew, from Warhorse 104, involved in the rescue of several people trapped in floodwaters at Bundaberg, Queensland.
Corporal Kim Gray
Captain Robert Jones
Corporal Matthew Kennedy
Captain Dion Palmer
The Australian Defense Force helicopter crew, from Warhorse 214, involved in the rescue of several people trapped in floodwaters at Bundaberg, Queensland.
Captain Rex Curtis
Corporal Brett Hoy
Captain David Rees
Corporal Scott Ruehland
