FOR PRESS: I' " 4
rF 00CT 1967 P. M. No. 105/ 1967
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VICTORIA CROSS FOR GALLANTRY IN VIETNAM
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Holt
Her Majesty the Queen has bestowed posthumously the
award of the Victoria Cross upon a member of the Australian
Army Training Team in Vietnam,, the late Major Peter John Badcoe,
of Canberra. Major Badcoe, who was born in South Australia in 1934,
graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, in December,
1952. He served with the Australian Army Training Team in
Vietnam from August, 1966, until his death on 7th April, 1967.
Major Badcoe displayed outstanding heroism on three
separate occasions between February and April of this year.
On 23rd February, while acting as an advisor to a
Vietnamese Regional Force Company, Major Badcoe moved across
600 metres of fire-swept terrain to save an American officer's
life. In the subsequent successful assault on the enemy post
he personally killed the machine gunners directly in front of
him. He then personally recovered, still under enemy fire, the
body of another American officer.
His actions during this encounter gave impetus to the
Vietnamese offensive, saved the life of one officer and prevented
the Viet Cong from capturing the body of the other.
On 7th March, Major Badcoe persoanally led a Vietnamese
Company in an attack over open terrain to assault and capture a
heavily defended enemy position. His courage and leadership,
when death and heavy losses were certain, turned defeat into
victory and prevented the enemy from capturing the district
headquarters. His actions were a major contributing factor to
the defeat of a numerically superior enemy force.
On 7th April, Major Badcoe was on an operation with a
Vietnamese Reaction Company in the Huong Tra district. The
Company under heavy attack withdrew to cover leaving Major Badcoe
and his radio operator under heavy mortar fire about 50 metres
ahead of the leading elements. Major Badcoe returned and led the
Company forward again. He continued on and prepared to throw
grenades. He stood up and exposed himself as he prepared to throw.
On the first occasion he was pulled down by his radio operator
because of concentrated fire. On his second attempt to throw a
grenade he again exposed himself and was killed by machine gun
fire. Friendly artillery was then called in and the position
was captured. His gallant actions before the enemy were the motivating
force which inspired the Company to launch a third assault and
overrun an enemy force of superior strength.
The American servicemen who were witnesses of Major
Badcoe's gallant actions emphasise that he knew that almost
certain death could be expected in face of the hail of enemy fire,
and that they saw no possibility of his survival. His personal
valour and unhesitant response to the needs of his comrades-in-arms
were an inspiration for the attacking forces. His presence of
mind and demonstrated professional competence led to the defeat
of an enemy who enjoyed every tactical advantage. Statements by
the Americans all agree that Major Badcoe's actions brought great
credit upon himself and the Australian Army.
2.
Major Badcoe's outstanding bravery and leadership and
subordination of his personal safety were in the highest traditions
of military service. His selfless 6ourage has set an example
worthy to be long remembered in the story of Australia's fighting
men. CANBERlRA 16th October, 1967
The Prime Minister today sent the following letter to
the late Major Badcoe's widow:
" Dear Mrs. Badcoe, Today I have the honour of making the announcement
that Her Majesty the Queen has given Her approval to the
award of the Victoria Cross to your late husband, Major Peter
John Badcoe, in recognition of his outstanding personal
heroism, inspired leadership and great gallantry while
serving as a member of the Australian Army Training Team
in Vietnam. I offer on behalf of the Commonwealth Government,
my colleagues and myself our warmest commendation of this
supreme honour bestowed by Her Majesty.
I would like to pay my own personal tribute to
your late husband's magnificent courage, valour and devotion
to duty. He will be a source of inspiration to all
Australians. Yours sincerely,
( HAROLD HOLT)"
Mrs. D. M. Badcoe,
159 Wattle Street,
O'CONNOR. A. C. T. 2601
BACKGROUND Major Badcoe was born in South Australia on 11th
January, 1934, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the
Australian Staff Corps in December, 1952. He was allotted to the
Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery and after a number of
Regimental and Staff postings transferred to the Royal Australian
Infantry Corps. He joined the Australian Army Training Team
Vietnam in August, 1966, and was posted as Sector Operations
Officer in Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.
Major Badcoe's award is the 94th Victoria Cross awarded
to an Australian and the second since World War II.
The last award was made on 1 th December,, 1966, to the
late darraur't Officer Kevin Arthur 1hea ley œ g action in Quang Ngai
Province, bouth Vietnam on 13th November, 19b5
CANBERRA 16th October, 1967