(Transcript from World News Radio)
The recipient of the nation's 100th Victoria Cross has been described as humble, fearless and selfless.
Corporal Cameron Baird has been posthoumously awarded Australia's highest military honour for acts of bravery which ultimately led to his death in June last year.
Thea Cowie reports.
Corporal Baird was the 40th Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan.
In Canberra for the announcement of the Victoria Cross bestowal, Corporal Baird's emotional father Doug said his son epitomised the perfect soldier.
"If I could just read a couple of lines, it is a simple little thing and it is something given to each soldier as he passes out, it is the soldier's code. 'I have the honour to be a soldier in the Australian Army, I am a custodian of traditions forged in battle by the Anzacs. I treat others with dignity, respect, expect others to do the same. I stride to develop my proficiency and competency in the professions of arms, I do not compromise my integrity. I do not compromise my moral courage. At all times I act in ways that will bring honour to Australia, credit upon the Army, my unit and my fellow soldiers'. I think that sums Cameron up."
Corporal Baird was 32 years old and on his fifth Special Forces tour when he was killed in combat against Taliban forces.
Rising in parliament to announce the Victoria Cross award, Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke of Corporal Baird's final heroic actions in Afghanistan.
"Corporal Baird charged enemy positions and neutralised them with grenade and rifle fire. By drawing fire on himself repeatedly, he enabled other members of his team to re-gain the initiative. Corporal Baird then led an assault on an enemy-held compound. On three separate occasions, under heavy fire, he forced the door of a building. Twice he was forced to withdraw to re-load and then to clear his rifle. For the third time, he entered the building. Again drawing fire away from his comrades who were able to secure the objective. Tragically, he was killed in this final assault."
Corporal Baird served in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and had previously been awarded almost a dozen military medals.
But none of them was as prestigious as the Victoria Cross: Australia's highest military honour recognising acts of bravery in wartime.
Mates and comrades have described the commando team leader as a courageous, inspirational and dedicated soldier.
The PM has told parliament the award recognises Corporal Baird's conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has thanked Corporal Baird's family for their sacrifice.
"We salute the courage of a gallant soldier. We mourn the loss of a true friend. A son who leaves this world before his parents, a brother gone before his time. Most of all our thoughts today are with the people who loved him and the people he loved. To his father Doug, mother Kay, brother Brendan, nephews Riley and Max, we offer our deep and heart-facility condolences. There is no honour that we can bestow and no medal we can give you, no words that will say that will make up for the loss of the man. Our nation owes Cameron Baird and his family a debt we can never repay."
Corporal Baird is the 100th Australian to receive the Victoria Cross.
For 40 years following the Vietnam War not one Australian received the honour, but the war in Afghanistan has seen four Australians receive the ultimate award.
Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley says the occasion provokes mixed emotions.
"Enormous pride in the great courage Cameron Baird showed on the battlefield, the tremendous leadership he exhibited throughout his service in the Armed Forces and as members of the ADF, the Army in particular, have mourned him in the past, today they will celebrate his bravery."
Brendan Baird says his brother would not have seen the award as a personal triumph, but as a collective achievement.
"Cameron never liked the limelight. He was a very humble man who would not see this as an individual award but a recognition of all at 2 Commando. We accept this award not only on behalf of Cameron but for all his brothers, his team, his company and his regiment."
New Governor General Peter Cosgrove will announce Corporal Baird's citation for the Victoria Cross at an Investiture Ceremony on Tuesday.
Corporal Baird's parents Doug and Kaye will accept the award on behalf of their late son.
