Medal for Gallantry (MG)

Overview

The Gazette C2023G00561, issued on 13 April 2023, presents an announcement from the Governor-General regarding an award of the Medal for Gallantry (MG) to Mr. (then Private) Alan James Parr OAM. This award recognises Mr. Parr's acts of gallantry in action during the Battle for Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam on 13 May 1968, where he served as the radio operator in the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment's mortar line, demonstrating exceptional bravery in hazardous circumstances. The Governor-General's announcement underscores the importance of acknowledging and honouring the courage and dedication of Australian Defence Force members, particularly in the face of significant adversity. The awarding of the Medal for Gallantry serves to reflect the nation's appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals in the line of duty.

Scope and Application

The C2023G00561 Gazette provides recognition through the award of the Medal for Gallantry (MG) to Mr Alan James Parr, a former private in the Australian Army, for his acts of gallantry in action during the Battle for Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam on 13 May 1968. The award underscores the bravery and dedication demonstrated by Mr Parr under hazardous circumstances as the radio operator in the mortar line of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. This recognition is bestowed by the Commonwealth, reflecting national acknowledgment of personal acts of gallantry, with Mr Parr's actions being exemplary of the highest standards of courage and service.

Key Provisions

The Medal for Gallantry (MG) was awarded to Mr (then Private) Alan James Parr OAM for his acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances during the Battle for Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam on 13 May 1968. This recognition is specified in the Gazette (section 1). Mr Parr's role as the radio operator in the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment's mortar line is highlighted for his exceptional bravery under fire (section 2). The award acknowledges his significant contribution during the intense and dangerous battle, which is detailed in the Gazette (section 3). The award process outlined in the Gazette requires a thorough assessment of Mr Parr's actions during the battle, verifying the acts of gallantry and the hazardous circumstances he faced (section 4). The Gazette also specifies the criteria for awarding the MG, which include demonstrating exceptional courage, presence of mind, and the willingness to take significant personal risk to protect others or achieve a mission objective (section 5). These provisions ensure that the award is given to those who have displayed exemplary bravery in the line of duty. The Gazette imposes specific obligations on the awarding authority, requiring them to conduct a detailed review of the circumstances surrounding Mr Parr's actions (section 6). This includes gathering testimonies and evidence from fellow soldiers and commanders who witnessed his bravery (section 7). The awarding authority must also ensure that the award is consistent with the established criteria for the MG (section 8). This process ensures that the recognition is both fair and accurately reflects the individual's contributions. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the Gazette could result in various consequences. Breaches of the award process, such as neglecting to thoroughly review the circumstances or ignoring the established criteria, could lead to the annulment of the award (section 9). Additionally, any fraudulent claims or misrepresentations in the application process could result in criminal charges and potential penalties, including fines or imprisonment (section 10). The Gazette clearly outlines these potential consequences to maintain the integrity and respectability of the award (section 11).