Page 23 - FOR BRAVERY 01 SEP 2020 v1_Final

AUSTRALIAN BRAVERY ASSOCIATION | Page 23

Continued from the previous page….

As I was driving the truck alone, it was extremely challenging
to operate. I had to lean into the passenger side to operate
some of the controls. I also found I was “unco”, – it was
difficult to steer the appliance to the left and direct the
monitor to the right. I was able to direct a stream of foam and
was successful in extinguishing this section of the fire. I
proceeded to the other affected area and finalised the setting
up of the aerial appliance, operated by one of the safety
officers. The Duty Officer ordered me to don breathing
apparatus and enter the Pump station building to search for Craig’s medals proudly reflect his
a missing person. The fire had activated the deluge system, so outstanding service.
I entered into torrential rain and low visibility. Just after I
entered the building, there was another small explosion. It was determined later that the cause was from
over pressurised can of paint. This was good for the heart-rate and adrenaline flows. I located the person
who had become trapped in some pipes from the blast. I immediately knew I could not rescue him by
myself. It took three others to help extricate the severely burned process operator. I later assisted the
nurses in the medical centre and drove the ambulance to the airport where the patient was loaded onto a
Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft.

Next morning, I entered my office to see my faithful coffee cup begging for a refill. Sadly, later in the day,
we received the news that our patient had died from 100% burns to his body. Several years later, our small
group was awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct. This, along with many other horrific fires, tragic
industrial and road incidents, has affected my life but retirement, after a lifelong career, has eased some of
the discomfit when remembering such events. END

For Gallantry: Australians awarded Link to: Dan Keighran VC shares
the George Cross and the Cross of insights on the definition of
Valour by Craig Blanch courage.

Release date: December 2020 https://www.youtube.com/wat
www.newsouthbooks.com.au/books/gallantry/ ch?v=g9LXTNsCuvc

From the frozen wastes of Antarctica to the
burning ruins of the Bali bombings, For Gallantry tells the stories of the 28
Australians awarded the Nation's highest non-combat awards for bravery: the
Imperial George Cross and its Australian Honours and Awards replacement, the Cross of Valour. Created to
mark extraordinary deeds away from the field of battle, the awards are the non-combat equivalent of the
coveted Victoria Cross. More than a quarter of the recipients were awarded posthumously — testimony to
the selflessness recognised by the decorations. They came from all walks of life. From teachers and farmers
to defence force members and firefighters, theirs are stories of incredible physical and moral courage. Some
were recognised for single heroic acts, others for their conduct over many months of terrible adversity.

'Courageous behaviour comes in many forms. For Gallantry tells the remarkable true stories of some of Australia's
most selfless people. A beautifully illustrated work that keeps you captivated from the first page.' — Dan Keighran
VC

National Office: PO Box 88, Rosanna, Victoria 3084 Australia | www.forbravery.org.au