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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{about|the Australian Victoria Cross recipient|the New Zealand All Black rugby union player|Mark Doge (rugby player)}} {{about|the Australian Victoria Cross recipient|the New Zealand All Black rugby union player|Mark Donaldson (rugby player)}}
{{Infobox military person {{Infobox military person
|name = Mark Gregor Strang Doge |name = Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson
|image = Mark Doge VC 19-01-2009 fair use claimed.jpg |image = Mark Donaldson VC 19-01-2009 fair use claimed.jpg
|caption = Trooper Mark Doge in 2009 |caption = Trooper Mark Donaldson in 2009
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|4|2|df=yes}} |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|4|2|df=yes}}
|death_date = |death_date =
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|laterwork = |laterwork =
}} }}
'''Mark Gregor Strang Doge''' {{post-nominals|country=AUS|VC}} (born 2 April 1979) is the first recipient of the ], awarded for gallantry, the highest award in the ]. The last Australian recipient of a British ] was ] in 1969 who is the only living Australian recipient of that award. Then ] Doge was a member of the ] when he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect injured troops and then rescued an interpreter under heavy enemy fire in the ] during ], the Australian contribution to the ]. He was presented with the medal by the ], ], in a ceremony in ] on 16 January 2009. On 25 January 2010, Doge was named the ].<ref name=smh20100125>{{cite news |title=Mental health campaigner wins Australian of the Year |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/mental-health-campaigner-wins-australian-of-the-year-20100125-mu92.html |last= |first= |coauthors= |work=]|publisher=Fairfax |date=25 January 2010 |accessdate=25 January 2010}}</ref> He was promoted to ] in June 2010. '''Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson''' {{post-nominals|country=AUS|VC}} (born 2 April 1979) is the first recipient of the ], awarded for gallantry, the highest award in the ]. The last Australian recipient of a British ] was ] in 1969 who is the only living Australian recipient of that award. Then ] Donaldson was a member of the ] when he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect injured troops and then rescued an interpreter under heavy enemy fire in the ] during ], the Australian contribution to the ]. He was presented with the medal by the ], ], in a ceremony in ] on 16 January 2009. On 25 January 2010, Donaldson was named the ].<ref name=smh20100125>{{cite news |title=Mental health campaigner wins Australian of the Year |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/mental-health-campaigner-wins-australian-of-the-year-20100125-mu92.html |last= |first= |coauthors= |work=]|publisher=Fairfax |date=25 January 2010 |accessdate=25 January 2010}}</ref> He was promoted to ] in June 2010.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Doge was born on 2 April 1979 at ]. The younger son of Greg, a Vietnam veteran, and Bernadette Doge he grew up in the small northern New South Wales township of ], attending Dorrigo High School, a small ] ] ] ] ],<ref name="DHS_plan">{{cite book |title=School Plan 2008 |publisher=Dorrigo High School |year=2008 |location=Dorrigo, NSW |last=Smith |first=Anne |authorlink= |coauthors=Roby Hunt |pages=2 |url= |doi= |id=}}</ref> until 1996.<ref name="coffscoast">{{cite news |title=VC for former Dorrigo pupil |last= |first= |coauthors= |work=The Coffs Coast Advocate |pages= |publisher=APN News & Media Ltd |date=17 January 2009 |url=http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2009/01/17/vc-for-former-dorrigo-pupil-vc-for-former-dorrigo-/ |accessdate = 12 November 2009 }}</ref> In 1995 his father died suddenly of a heart attack and Mark and his brother became wards of ], one of their legatees being a former member of the same Army unit their father had served in.<ref name="SMH_hero">{{cite web |title=The private pain of a national hero |work= |last=Buchanan |first=Matt |authorlink= |coauthors= |publisher = ] |date=24 January 2009 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-private-pain-of-a-national-hero/2009/01/23/1232471590756.html |doi= |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref> Donaldson was born on 2 April 1979 at ]. The younger son of Greg, a Vietnam veteran, and Bernadette Donaldson he grew up in the small northern New South Wales township of ], attending Dorrigo High School, a small ] ] ] ] ],<ref name="DHS_plan">{{cite book |title=School Plan 2008 |publisher=Dorrigo High School |year=2008 |location=Dorrigo, NSW |last=Smith |first=Anne |authorlink= |coauthors=Roby Hunt |pages=2 |url= |doi= |id=}}</ref> until 1996.<ref name="coffscoast">{{cite news |title=VC for former Dorrigo pupil |last= |first= |coauthors= |work=The Coffs Coast Advocate |pages= |publisher=APN News & Media Ltd |date=17 January 2009 |url=http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2009/01/17/vc-for-former-dorrigo-pupil-vc-for-former-dorrigo-/ |accessdate = 12 November 2009 }}</ref> In 1995 his father died suddenly of a heart attack and Mark and his brother became wards of ], one of their legatees being a former member of the same Army unit their father had served in.<ref name="SMH_hero">{{cite web |title=The private pain of a national hero |work= |last=Buchanan |first=Matt |authorlink= |coauthors= |publisher = ] |date=24 January 2009 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-private-pain-of-a-national-hero/2009/01/23/1232471590756.html |doi= |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref>


In 1998 when Doge was 19 and attending art college in ], his mother disappeared. She is presumed murdered and an investigation into the disappearance is ongoing.<ref name="SMH_hero"/> Doge left full time education and took a variety of physically demanding jobs in Australia and overseas.<ref name="SMH_hero"/> In 1998 when Donaldson was 19 and attending art college in ], his mother disappeared. She is presumed murdered and an investigation into the disappearance is ongoing.<ref name="SMH_hero"/> Donaldson left full time education and took a variety of physically demanding jobs in Australia and overseas.<ref name="SMH_hero"/>


==Military career== ==Military career==


===2002–2008=== ===2002–2008===
Doge enlisted in the ] on 18 June 2002. He trained at ], ], winning prizes as the best shot and best at physical training in his platoon. Detailed to the ], he then underwent further training at ], New South Wales, where he won prizes again for shooting and physical training, and also as most outstanding soldier in his platoon. He was then posted to ], based at ].<ref name=DoD>{{cite web |title=Trooper Mark Gregor Strang Doge, VC |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/special_events/TPR_markDoge.htm |publisher=] |date=16 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}} ''Includes official citation for the medal.''</ref> Donaldson enlisted in the ] on 18 June 2002. He trained at ], ], winning prizes as the best shot and best at physical training in his platoon. Detailed to the ], he then underwent further training at ], New South Wales, where he won prizes again for shooting and physical training, and also as most outstanding soldier in his platoon. He was then posted to ], based at ].<ref name=DoD>{{cite web |title=Trooper Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson, VC |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/special_events/TPR_markDonaldson.htm |publisher=] |date=16 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}} ''Includes official citation for the medal.''</ref>


From February to April 2004, Doge completed the SASR selection course, and was posted to 3 Squadron in May 2004. He has since seen service in ], ] (]) and Afghanistan (]).<ref name=DoD /> During his deployment to Afghanistan, he was slightly wounded on 12 August 2008 when the ] he was travelling in struck an ].<ref name=DoD /><ref name="VC hero tires of PR">{{cite news|last=Dodd|first=Mark|title=VC hero tires of PR and goes back to Afghan action|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/vc-hero-tires-of-pr-and-goes-back-to-afghan-action/story-e6frg8yo-1225895821167|accessdate=30 July 2010|newspaper=The Australian|date=23 July 2010}}</ref> From February to April 2004, Donaldson completed the SASR selection course, and was posted to 3 Squadron in May 2004. He has since seen service in ], ] (]) and Afghanistan (]).<ref name=DoD /> During his deployment to Afghanistan, he was slightly wounded on 12 August 2008 when the ] he was travelling in struck an ].<ref name=DoD /><ref name="VC hero tires of PR">{{cite news|last=Dodd|first=Mark|title=VC hero tires of PR and goes back to Afghan action|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/vc-hero-tires-of-pr-and-goes-back-to-afghan-action/story-e6frg8yo-1225895821167|accessdate=30 July 2010|newspaper=The Australian|date=23 July 2010}}</ref>


===Act of gallantry=== ===Act of gallantry===
], pins the Victoria Cross for Australia on Trooper Doge during his investiture ceremony at ] on 16 January 2009]] ], pins the Victoria Cross for Australia on Trooper Donaldson during his investiture ceremony at ] on 16 January 2009]]
The actions for which Doge's VC were awarded took place on 2 September 2008. Patrolling with Afghan and US forces, they were ambushed by a well-prepared and larger ] force. The ambush began with sustained machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire, causing several casualties. Doge deliberately exposed himself to fire from the Taliban fighters in order to draw their attention away from the casualties, allowing them to be moved to cover. When the patrol attempted to withdraw, the number of casualties was such that the unwounded personnel (including Doge) had to make their way on foot, beside their vehicles, as the casualties filled the vehicles. As they set off, it was realised that an Afghan interpreter attached to the patrol was wounded, and had not been loaded into the vehicles. Doge immediately crossed the {{convert|80|m|yd}} or so of open ground between the convoy and the interpreter, under heavy fire, and then carried him back to the vehicles where Doge administered first aid. The patrol eventually broke free of the ambush after two hours.<ref name=DoD /> The actions for which Donaldson's VC were awarded took place on 2 September 2008. Patrolling with Afghan and US forces, they were ambushed by a well-prepared and larger ] force. The ambush began with sustained machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire, causing several casualties. Donaldson deliberately exposed himself to fire from the Taliban fighters in order to draw their attention away from the casualties, allowing them to be moved to cover. When the patrol attempted to withdraw, the number of casualties was such that the unwounded personnel (including Donaldson) had to make their way on foot, beside their vehicles, as the casualties filled the vehicles. As they set off, it was realised that an Afghan interpreter attached to the patrol was wounded, and had not been loaded into the vehicles. Donaldson immediately crossed the {{convert|80|m|yd}} or so of open ground between the convoy and the interpreter, under heavy fire, and then carried him back to the vehicles where Donaldson administered first aid. The patrol eventually broke free of the ambush after two hours.<ref name=DoD />


When asked about the incident, Doge commented: "I'm a soldier, I'm trained to fight&nbsp;...&nbsp;it's instinct and it's natural. I just saw him there, I went over and got him, that was it."<ref name="coffscoast"/> The events were first reported by the Australian press on 12 December 2008 following a briefing by ] ] on 11 December.<ref>{{cite news |title = Aussie special forces crush Taliban leaders in Afghanistan |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24788091-25837,00.html |last=Dodd |first=Mark |coauthors= |work=] |date = 12 December 2008 |accessdate = 12 November 2009}}</ref> At this stage Doge was identified only as "Trooper F".<ref name=TheAustralian20090116>{{cite news |title = Australian SAS soldier Mark Doge awarded Victoria Cross |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24920340-601,00.html |last = Kerr |first = Christian |authorlink = |coauthors = and staff reporters |work=] |publisher=News Limited |date=16 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref> Doge then became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia on 16 January 2009; he was presented with the medal by the Governor-General at a ceremony in ].<ref name=TheAustralian20090116 /><ref name=DoD /> When asked about the incident, Donaldson commented: "I'm a soldier, I'm trained to fight&nbsp;...&nbsp;it's instinct and it's natural. I just saw him there, I went over and got him, that was it."<ref name="coffscoast"/> The events were first reported by the Australian press on 12 December 2008 following a briefing by ] ] on 11 December.<ref>{{cite news |title = Aussie special forces crush Taliban leaders in Afghanistan |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24788091-25837,00.html |last=Dodd |first=Mark |coauthors= |work=] |date = 12 December 2008 |accessdate = 12 November 2009}}</ref> At this stage Donaldson was identified only as "Trooper F".<ref name=TheAustralian20090116>{{cite news |title = Australian SAS soldier Mark Donaldson awarded Victoria Cross |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24920340-601,00.html |last = Kerr |first = Christian |authorlink = |coauthors = and staff reporters |work=] |publisher=News Limited |date=16 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref> Donaldson then became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia on 16 January 2009; he was presented with the medal by the Governor-General at a ceremony in ].<ref name=TheAustralian20090116 /><ref name=DoD />


The official citation was published in a special edition of the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 20 January 2009 and states (in part) that the award was made for " ... most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operations SLIPPER, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan."<ref>{{cite news |title=Special Gazette No. S 10|url=http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/7F6A2B42E671C05ECA2575430082A8C8/$file/S%2010%20SPDF.pdf |work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette |pages=1–2 |date=20 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=BlevintronBot}}</ref><ref name=VC>{{cite web |title=Doge, Mark Gregor, Victoria Cross for Australia |url=http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1140398&search_type=advanced&showInd=true |accessdate=12 November 2009 |date=16 January 2009|work=It's An Honour |publisher = Australian Government |quote=For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operations SLIPPER, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. }}</ref> Doge was subsequently received in audience by the ], ], at ] on 10 November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trooper Mark Doge VC Meets Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9693 |accessdate=12 November 2009 |date=10 November 2009 |publisher=Australian Department of Defence}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Britain's Queen Elizabeth greets Australian trooper Mark Doge VC |url=http://www.daylife.com/photo/06VF9Ejby03yS |accessdate=12 November 2009 |date=10 November 2009 |publisher=Dailylife}}</ref> The official citation was published in a special edition of the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 20 January 2009 and states (in part) that the award was made for " ... most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operations SLIPPER, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan."<ref>{{cite news |title=Special Gazette No. S 10|url=http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/7F6A2B42E671C05ECA2575430082A8C8/$file/S%2010%20SPDF.pdf |work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette |pages=1–2 |date=20 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=BlevintronBot}}</ref><ref name=VC>{{cite web |title=DONALDSON, Mark Gregor, Victoria Cross for Australia |url=http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1140398&search_type=advanced&showInd=true |accessdate=12 November 2009 |date=16 January 2009|work=It's An Honour |publisher = Australian Government |quote=For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operations SLIPPER, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. }}</ref> Donaldson was subsequently received in audience by the ], ], at ] on 10 November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trooper Mark Donaldson VC Meets Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9693 |accessdate=12 November 2009 |date=10 November 2009 |publisher=Australian Department of Defence}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Britain's Queen Elizabeth greets Australian trooper Mark Donaldson VC |url=http://www.daylife.com/photo/06VF9Ejby03yS |accessdate=12 November 2009 |date=10 November 2009 |publisher=Dailylife}}</ref>


===Subsequent career=== ===Subsequent career===


After being presented with his VC Doge requested permission to remain a member of the SASR and participate in operational postings. This was approved by Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal ] and Chief of Army Lieutenant General ]. Doge subsequently served in Afghanistan for a four month period in 2009 and made a brief deployment to the country in early 2010. He was also promoted to the rank of ] in 2010 after completing a junior leaders' course.<ref name="Promoted_to_corporal"> After being presented with his VC Donaldson requested permission to remain a member of the SASR and participate in operational postings. This was approved by Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal ] and Chief of Army Lieutenant General ]. Donaldson subsequently served in Afghanistan for a four month period in 2009 and made a brief deployment to the country in early 2010. He was also promoted to the rank of ] in 2010 after completing a junior leaders' course.<ref name="Promoted_to_corporal">
{{cite news |title=Victoria Cross winner Mark Doge promoted to corporal |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/victoria-cross-winner-mark-Doge-promoted-to-corporal/story-e6frg8yo-1225885752704 |accessdate=29 June 2010 |newspaper=The Australian |date=29 June 2010 |agency=AAP}}</ref> {{cite news |title=Victoria Cross winner Mark Donaldson promoted to corporal |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/victoria-cross-winner-mark-donaldson-promoted-to-corporal/story-e6frg8yo-1225885752704 |accessdate=29 June 2010 |newspaper=The Australian |date=29 June 2010 |agency=AAP}}</ref>


On 11 November 2009, Doge and British VC recipient ] handed a wreath to the Queen during a service in ] which marked the deaths in 2009 of the last three veterans of World War I resident in the United Kingdom, ], ] and ]. The wreath was then laid on the ].<ref> On 11 November 2009, Donaldson and British VC recipient ] handed a wreath to the Queen during a service in ] which marked the deaths in 2009 of the last three veterans of World War I resident in the United Kingdom, ], ] and ]. The wreath was then laid on the ].<ref>
{{cite news |title=Millions mark lost WWI generation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8353405.stm |publisher=BBC |date=11 November 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref><ref> {{cite news |title=Millions mark lost WWI generation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8353405.stm |publisher=BBC |date=11 November 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref><ref>
{{cite news |title=Armistice Day services pay tribute to lost generation |last=Meikle |first=James |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/nov/11/armistice-day-first-world-war |publisher=guardian.co.uk |date=11 November 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref> While Doge was in London, news emerged in Afghanistan that ], an ] ] that was declared ] after the 2 September ambush, had been found alive and well by an American soldier.<ref name=ADDRelease12Nov09> {{cite news |title=Armistice Day services pay tribute to lost generation |last=Meikle |first=James |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/nov/11/armistice-day-first-world-war |publisher=guardian.co.uk |date=11 November 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref> While Donaldson was in London, news emerged in Afghanistan that ], an ] ] that was declared ] after the 2 September ambush, had been found alive and well by an American soldier.<ref name=ADDRelease12Nov09>
{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9698 |title=Australian Dog Returns Home After A Year In The Wilderness |publisher=Australian Department of Defence |work=www.defence.gov.au, Defence Media Release |date=12 November 2009 |accessdate=14 November 2009 |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20121218010047/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:2xuBAsoZnqAJ:www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId%3D9698+http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId%3D9698&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk |archivedate=11 November 2009}}</ref><ref name=ABCNews12Nov09> {{cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=9698 |title=Australian Dog Returns Home After A Year In The Wilderness |publisher=Australian Department of Defence |work=www.defence.gov.au, Defence Media Release |date=12 November 2009 |accessdate=14 November 2009 |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20121218010047/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:2xuBAsoZnqAJ:www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId%3D9698+http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId%3D9698&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk |archivedate=11 November 2009}}</ref><ref name=ABCNews12Nov09>
{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741352.htm |title=Handler never gave up on lost army dog |publisher=ABC News |date=12 November 2009 |accessdate=14 November 2009 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5lHTZf72N |archivedate=14 November 2009}}</ref> Doge said of the news that it "closed a chapter in their shared history" and "She's the last piece of the puzzle ... Having Sabi back gives some closure for the handler and the rest of us that served with her in 2008. It's a fantastic morale booster for the guys."<ref name=ADDRelease12Nov09/><ref name=SydneyMorningHerald13Nov09> {{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2741352.htm |title=Handler never gave up on lost army dog |publisher=ABC News |date=12 November 2009 |accessdate=14 November 2009 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5lHTZf72N |archivedate=14 November 2009}}</ref> Donaldson said of the news that it "closed a chapter in their shared history" and "She's the last piece of the puzzle ... Having Sabi back gives some closure for the handler and the rest of us that served with her in 2008. It's a fantastic morale booster for the guys."<ref name=ADDRelease12Nov09/><ref name=SydneyMorningHerald13Nov09>
{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/paws-in-the-wars-how-sabi-the-bomb-dogs-on-the-ball-20091113-ie8u.html?autostart=1 |title=Paws in the wars: how Sabi the bomb dog's on the ball |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=13 November 2009 |accessdate=14 November 2009 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5lHkl3mRR |archivedate=14 November 2009}}</ref> {{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/paws-in-the-wars-how-sabi-the-bomb-dogs-on-the-ball-20091113-ie8u.html?autostart=1 |title=Paws in the wars: how Sabi the bomb dog's on the ball |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=13 November 2009 |accessdate=14 November 2009 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5lHkl3mRR |archivedate=14 November 2009}}</ref>


On 4 October 2012, Doge was announced as the Patron In Chief of military charity Soldier On Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=VC Recipient Mark Doge announced as Patron in Chief for Soldier On |date=4 October 2012 |work=Media release |publisher=Soldier On |url=http://soldieron.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/20121004_MR_Soldier-On-Launch-of-Patron-in-Chief.pdf}}</ref> On 4 October 2012, Donaldson was announced as the Patron In Chief of military charity Soldier On Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=VC Recipient Mark Donaldson announced as Patron in Chief for Soldier On |date=4 October 2012 |work=Media release |publisher=Soldier On |url=http://soldieron.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/20121004_MR_Soldier-On-Launch-of-Patron-in-Chief.pdf}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Doge is married to Emma, and has a daughter, Kaylee.<ref name=DoD /> Emma describes him as being "married to the army".<ref name=Age>{{cite news |title=I'm no hero says Aussie soldier with VC |url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/im-no-hero-says-aussie-soldier-with-vc-20090116-7imy.html |last=Drape |first=Julian |coauthors=Cathy Alexander |work=] |date=16 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref> Doge says of himself: "I don't see myself as a hero, honestly. I still see myself as a soldier first and foremost."<ref name=Age /> Donaldson is married to Emma, and has a daughter, Kaylee.<ref name=DoD /> Emma describes him as being "married to the army".<ref name=Age>{{cite news |title=I'm no hero says Aussie soldier with VC |url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/im-no-hero-says-aussie-soldier-with-vc-20090116-7imy.html |last=Drape |first=Julian |coauthors=Cathy Alexander |work=] |date=16 January 2009 |accessdate=12 November 2009}}</ref> Donaldson says of himself: "I don't see myself as a hero, honestly. I still see myself as a soldier first and foremost."<ref name=Age />


==Honours and awards== ==Honours and awards==
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|] || ] (VC) || 2009<ref name=VC/> |] || ] (VC) || 2009<ref name=VC/>
|- |-
|] || ] || with ] clasp<ref name="Official Portrait">. Retrieved 3 June 2010</ref> |] || ] || with ] clasp<ref name="Official Portrait">. Retrieved 3 June 2010</ref>
|- |-
|] || ] || <ref name="Official Portrait"/> |] || ] || <ref name="Official Portrait"/>
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|} |}


On 25 January 2010, Doge was named the ]. That evening, at a public event on the lawns of ] in Canberra, the Prime Minister (The Hon ] MP) and the ] Chair (]) presented Doge with a handmade glass award and praised his achievements.<ref>, Media Release, 25 January 2010, National Australia Day Council, www.australianoftheyear.org.au. Retrieved 25 January 2010.</ref> On 25 January 2010, Donaldson was named the ]. That evening, at a public event on the lawns of ] in Canberra, the Prime Minister (The Hon ] MP) and the ] Chair (]) presented Donaldson with a handmade glass award and praised his achievements.<ref>, Media Release, 25 January 2010, National Australia Day Council, www.australianoftheyear.org.au. Retrieved 25 January 2010.</ref>


==Location of medal== ==Location of medal==
] ]
Seven days after the medal presentation, Doge lent his VC and other medals to the ] in an official ceremony. The medals were placed on display at the end of February 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title = Trooper Mark Doge loans his Victoria Cross to the Australian War Memorial |url = http://blog.awm.gov.au/awm/2009/01/22/trooper-Doge-vc/ |date = 22 January 2009 |accessdate = 12 November 2009 |work = Blog Archive |last = Fletcher |first = Nick |publisher = Australian War Memorial}}</ref> Seven days after the medal presentation, Donaldson lent his VC and other medals to the ] in an official ceremony. The medals were placed on display at the end of February 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title = Trooper Mark Donaldson loans his Victoria Cross to the Australian War Memorial |url = http://blog.awm.gov.au/awm/2009/01/22/trooper-donaldson-vc/ |date = 22 January 2009 |accessdate = 12 November 2009 |work = Blog Archive |last = Fletcher |first = Nick |publisher = Australian War Memorial}}</ref>


{{clear}} {{clear}}
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* from the Award Ceremony. * from the Award Ceremony.
* of Special Operations Task Group activity in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. * of Special Operations Task Group activity in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
* of interviews with Doge. * of interviews with Donaldson.
*, 11 November 2009. *, 11 November 2009.
*, award presentation, 25 January 2010. *, award presentation, 25 January 2010.


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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. --> {{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME = Doge, Mark Gregor Strang | NAME = Donaldson, Mark Gregor Strang
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Recipient of the Victoria Cross | SHORT DESCRIPTION = Recipient of the Victoria Cross
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| PLACE OF DEATH = | PLACE OF DEATH =
}} }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Doge, Mark Gregor Strang}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Donaldson, Mark Gregor Strang}}
] ]
] ]

Revision as of 09:44, 18 December 2013

This article is about the Australian Victoria Cross recipient. For the New Zealand All Black rugby union player, see Mark Donaldson (rugby player).
Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson
File:Mark Donaldson VC 19-01-2009 fair use claimed.jpgTrooper Mark Donaldson in 2009
Born (1979-04-02) 2 April 1979 (age 45)
Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
AllegianceAustralia Australia
Service / branchAustralian Army
Years of service2002 – present
RankCorporal
Unit1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Special Air Service Regiment
Battles / warsEast Timor

Iraq War

War in Afghanistan

AwardsVictoria Cross for Australia

Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson VC (born 2 April 1979) is the first recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia, awarded for gallantry, the highest award in the Australian honours system. The last Australian recipient of a British Victoria Cross was Keith Payne in 1969 who is the only living Australian recipient of that award. Then Trooper Donaldson was a member of the Special Air Service Regiment when he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect injured troops and then rescued an interpreter under heavy enemy fire in the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan during Operation Slipper, the Australian contribution to the War in Afghanistan. He was presented with the medal by the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, in a ceremony in Canberra on 16 January 2009. On 25 January 2010, Donaldson was named the Young Australian of the Year 2010. He was promoted to corporal in June 2010.

Early life

Donaldson was born on 2 April 1979 at Waratah, New South Wales. The younger son of Greg, a Vietnam veteran, and Bernadette Donaldson he grew up in the small northern New South Wales township of Dorrigo, attending Dorrigo High School, a small state comprehensive co-educational secondary public school, until 1996. In 1995 his father died suddenly of a heart attack and Mark and his brother became wards of Legacy, one of their legatees being a former member of the same Army unit their father had served in.

In 1998 when Donaldson was 19 and attending art college in Sydney, his mother disappeared. She is presumed murdered and an investigation into the disappearance is ongoing. Donaldson left full time education and took a variety of physically demanding jobs in Australia and overseas.

Military career

2002–2008

Donaldson enlisted in the Australian Army on 18 June 2002. He trained at Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka, NSW, winning prizes as the best shot and best at physical training in his platoon. Detailed to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps, he then underwent further training at Singleton, New South Wales, where he won prizes again for shooting and physical training, and also as most outstanding soldier in his platoon. He was then posted to 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, based at Townsville, Queensland.

From February to April 2004, Donaldson completed the SASR selection course, and was posted to 3 Squadron in May 2004. He has since seen service in East Timor, Iraq (Operation Falconer) and Afghanistan (Operation Slipper). During his deployment to Afghanistan, he was slightly wounded on 12 August 2008 when the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle he was travelling in struck an improvised explosive device.

Act of gallantry

File:Trooper Donaldson being awarded VC fair use claimed.jpg
The Governor General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, pins the Victoria Cross for Australia on Trooper Donaldson during his investiture ceremony at Government House, Canberra on 16 January 2009

The actions for which Donaldson's VC were awarded took place on 2 September 2008. Patrolling with Afghan and US forces, they were ambushed by a well-prepared and larger Taliban force. The ambush began with sustained machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire, causing several casualties. Donaldson deliberately exposed himself to fire from the Taliban fighters in order to draw their attention away from the casualties, allowing them to be moved to cover. When the patrol attempted to withdraw, the number of casualties was such that the unwounded personnel (including Donaldson) had to make their way on foot, beside their vehicles, as the casualties filled the vehicles. As they set off, it was realised that an Afghan interpreter attached to the patrol was wounded, and had not been loaded into the vehicles. Donaldson immediately crossed the 80 metres (87 yd) or so of open ground between the convoy and the interpreter, under heavy fire, and then carried him back to the vehicles where Donaldson administered first aid. The patrol eventually broke free of the ambush after two hours.

When asked about the incident, Donaldson commented: "I'm a soldier, I'm trained to fight ... it's instinct and it's natural. I just saw him there, I went over and got him, that was it." The events were first reported by the Australian press on 12 December 2008 following a briefing by Major General Tim McOwan on 11 December. At this stage Donaldson was identified only as "Trooper F". Donaldson then became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia on 16 January 2009; he was presented with the medal by the Governor-General at a ceremony in Government House, Canberra.

The official citation was published in a special edition of the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 20 January 2009 and states (in part) that the award was made for " ... most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operations SLIPPER, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan." Donaldson was subsequently received in audience by the Queen of Australia, Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle on 10 November 2009.

Subsequent career

After being presented with his VC Donaldson requested permission to remain a member of the SASR and participate in operational postings. This was approved by Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie. Donaldson subsequently served in Afghanistan for a four month period in 2009 and made a brief deployment to the country in early 2010. He was also promoted to the rank of corporal in 2010 after completing a junior leaders' course.

On 11 November 2009, Donaldson and British VC recipient Johnson Beharry handed a wreath to the Queen during a service in Westminster Abbey which marked the deaths in 2009 of the last three veterans of World War I resident in the United Kingdom, Bill Stone, Henry Allingham and Harry Patch. The wreath was then laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. While Donaldson was in London, news emerged in Afghanistan that Sabi, an explosives detection dog that was declared missing in action after the 2 September ambush, had been found alive and well by an American soldier. Donaldson said of the news that it "closed a chapter in their shared history" and "She's the last piece of the puzzle ... Having Sabi back gives some closure for the handler and the rest of us that served with her in 2008. It's a fantastic morale booster for the guys."

On 4 October 2012, Donaldson was announced as the Patron In Chief of military charity Soldier On Australia.

Personal life

Donaldson is married to Emma, and has a daughter, Kaylee. Emma describes him as being "married to the army". Donaldson says of himself: "I don't see myself as a hero, honestly. I still see myself as a soldier first and foremost."

Honours and awards

Ribbon Description Notes
Ribbon of the Victoria Cross for Australia Victoria Cross for Australia (VC) 2009
Ribbon of the AASM Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT clasp
Ribbon of the Afghanistan Medal for Australia Afghanistan Medal
Ribbon of the ASM Australian Service Medal
Ribbon of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal 2012
Ribbon of the ADM Australian Defence Medal
NATO Medal for the Non-Article 5 ISAF Operation in Afghanistan
Ribbon of the Unit Citation for Gallantry Unit Citation for Gallantry with Federation Star for service during the period of Operation Slipper
Ribbon of the Meritorious Unit Citation Meritorious Unit Citation
Infantry Combat Badge

On 25 January 2010, Donaldson was named the Young Australian of the Year 2010. That evening, at a public event on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra, the Prime Minister (The Hon Kevin Rudd MP) and the National Australia Day Council Chair (Adam Gilchrist) presented Donaldson with a handmade glass award and praised his achievements.

Location of medal

Five medals with their ribbons and clasps, including the Victoria Cross for Australia
Donaldson's medals on display at the Australian War Memorial in March 2009

Seven days after the medal presentation, Donaldson lent his VC and other medals to the Australian War Memorial in an official ceremony. The medals were placed on display at the end of February 2009.

References

  1. "Mental health campaigner wins Australian of the Year". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax. 25 January 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. Smith, Anne (2008). School Plan 2008. Dorrigo, NSW: Dorrigo High School. p. 2. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "VC for former Dorrigo pupil". The Coffs Coast Advocate. APN News & Media Ltd. 17 January 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ Buchanan, Matt (24 January 2009). "The private pain of a national hero". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 November 2009. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  5. ^ "Trooper Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson, VC". Department of Defence. 16 January 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) Includes official citation for the medal.
  6. Dodd, Mark (23 July 2010). "VC hero tires of PR and goes back to Afghan action". The Australian. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
  7. Dodd, Mark (12 December 2008). "Aussie special forces crush Taliban leaders in Afghanistan". The Australian. Retrieved 12 November 2009. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  8. ^ Kerr, Christian (16 January 2009). "Australian SAS soldier Mark Donaldson awarded Victoria Cross". The Australian. News Limited. Retrieved 12 November 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. "Special Gazette No. S 10" (PDF). Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. 20 January 2009. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
  10. ^ "DONALDSON, Mark Gregor, Victoria Cross for Australia". It's An Honour. Australian Government. 16 January 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009. For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operations SLIPPER, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
  11. "Trooper Mark Donaldson VC Meets Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II". Australian Department of Defence. 10 November 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
  12. "Britain's Queen Elizabeth greets Australian trooper Mark Donaldson VC". Dailylife. 10 November 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
  13. "Victoria Cross winner Mark Donaldson promoted to corporal". The Australian. AAP. 29 June 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  14. "Millions mark lost WWI generation". BBC. 11 November 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
  15. Meikle, James (11 November 2009). "Armistice Day services pay tribute to lost generation". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
  16. ^ "Australian Dog Returns Home After A Year In The Wilderness". www.defence.gov.au, Defence Media Release. Australian Department of Defence. 12 November 2009. Archived from the original on 11 November 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  17. "Handler never gave up on lost army dog". ABC News. 12 November 2009. Archived from the original on 14 November 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  18. "Paws in the wars: how Sabi the bomb dog's on the ball". Sydney Morning Herald. 13 November 2009. Archived from the original on 14 November 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  19. "VC Recipient Mark Donaldson announced as Patron in Chief for Soldier On" (PDF). Media release. Soldier On. 4 October 2012.
  20. ^ Drape, Julian (16 January 2009). "I'm no hero says Aussie soldier with VC". The Age. Retrieved 12 November 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Department of Defence Official Portrait Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC. Retrieved 3 June 2010
  22. Entitled to wear Ribbon of the Meritorious Unit Citation only whilst serving in the SASR or another unit awarded the citation.
  23. 2010 Australian of the Year Award Recipients Announced, Media Release, 25 January 2010, National Australia Day Council, www.australianoftheyear.org.au. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
  24. Fletcher, Nick (22 January 2009). "Trooper Mark Donaldson loans his Victoria Cross to the Australian War Memorial". Blog Archive. Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 12 November 2009.

External links


Preceded byJonty Bush Young Australian of the Year
2010 		Succeeded byJessica Watson

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