Mark Donaldson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Donaldson
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Corporal Mark Donaldson in 2014
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| Birth name | Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson |
| Born | 2 April 1979 Waratah, New South Wales |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ |
Australian Army |
| Years of service | 2002–present |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Special Air Service Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards | Victoria Cross for Australia |
Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson, VC (born 2 April 1979) is a brave Australian soldier. He received the Victoria Cross for Australia. This is the highest award for bravery in Australia.
Mark Donaldson was a Trooper in the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). This is a special forces unit. He showed amazing courage during a battle in Afghanistan. He protected injured soldiers and rescued a wounded interpreter. He was given his medal on 16 January 2009. In 2010, he was named the Young Australian of the Year. He was promoted to corporal in June 2010.
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Early Life
Mark Donaldson was born on 2 April 1979. His hometown was Waratah, New South Wales. His father, Greg, was a Vietnam War veteran. Mark grew up in Dorrigo. He went to Dorrigo High School until 1996.
In 1995, his father died suddenly. Mark and his brother were then supported by Legacy. This group helps families of veterans. In 1998, when Mark was 19, his mother disappeared. She was never found. After this, Mark left school. He worked many tough jobs in Australia and other countries.
Military Service
Joining the Army
Mark Donaldson joined the Australian Army on 18 June 2002. He trained at Kapooka. He was a top recruit there. He won awards for being the best shot. He also won for being the best at physical training.
He then joined the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. He trained more at Singleton. Again, he won prizes for shooting and fitness. He was also named the most outstanding soldier. After his training, he joined the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. This unit was based in Townsville, Queensland.
From 2004, Mark joined the SASR. He served in East Timor and Iraq. He also served in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, he was hurt on 12 August 2008. His vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.
His Brave Actions: The Victoria Cross
Mark Donaldson earned his Victoria Cross on 2 September 2008. He was on patrol with Afghan and US soldiers. They were attacked by a large Taliban group. The attack started with heavy machine gun fire. Many soldiers were hurt.
Mark bravely put himself in danger. He drew the enemy's fire away from the injured soldiers. This allowed them to be moved to safety. As the patrol tried to leave, they realized an Afghan interpreter was wounded. He was still on the ground.
Mark immediately ran about 80 meters across open ground. He did this under heavy enemy fire. He reached the interpreter and carried him back to the vehicles. There, Mark gave him first aid. The patrol fought for two hours before escaping the ambush.
When asked about his actions, Mark said, "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." He was the first person to receive the Victoria Cross for Australia. He was given the medal by the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce. This happened in Canberra on 16 January 2009.
Seven days later, Mark lent his medal to the Australian War Memorial. It was put on display there. Later, he met Elizabeth II, the Queen, at Windsor Castle.
After the Victoria Cross
After getting his medal, Mark wanted to stay in the SASR. He wanted to keep serving in battle zones. His request was approved. He served in Afghanistan again in 2009, 2010, and 2013. He was promoted to corporal in 2010.
In 2009, a special dog named Sarbi was found. Sarbi was an explosives detection dog. She had gone missing during the same ambush where Mark earned his medal. Mark was very happy to hear this news. He said it "closed a chapter" for everyone who served with her.
In 2014, Mark shared that he had been shot in the leg in Afghanistan. He said that fighting bad guys was "part of the job." He also said he does not have nightmares. He is at peace with his work. Mark Donaldson became the Patron-in-Chief of Soldier On Australia. This charity helps military personnel.
Personal Life
Mark Donaldson is married to Emma. They have a daughter and a son. Mark has written a book about his life called The Crossroad. It was published in 2013. Emma has said that Mark is "married to the army." Mark himself says, "I don't see myself as a hero, honestly. I still see myself as a soldier first and foremost."
Awards and Recognition
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| Ribbon | Description | Notes |
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Victoria Cross for Australia (VC) | Received in 2009 |
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Australian Active Service Medal | For active service |
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Afghanistan Medal | For service in Afghanistan |
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Australian Service Medal | For general service |
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | Received in 2012 |
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Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal | Received in 2022 |
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King Charles III Coronation Medal | Received in 2023 |
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Defence Long Service Medal | For 15–19 years of service |
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Australian Defence Medal | For serving in the Australian Defence Force |
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NATO Medal | For service in Afghanistan (ISAF) |
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Unit Citation for Gallantry | Given to the Special Air Service Regiment for bravery in Afghanistan. |
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Meritorious Unit Citation | Given to Task Force 66 in 2015. |
| Infantry Combat Badge | For infantry soldiers in combat. |
On 25 January 2010, Mark Donaldson was named the Young Australian of the Year. The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, presented him with an award. He praised Mark's achievements.
