Keith Payne VC AM and Michael Pratt GC, accompanied by Rick, attended the “turning the sod” ceremony at Gundagai on 2 June 2025, for the memorial to Richard Norden VC.  A life-sized bronze sculpture of Richard Norden and Joe Kelly will be erected at the site in 2026.

On 14 May 1968, Private Norden’s platoon came under heavy fire during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.  Using his initiative and demonstrating a depth of care for his mates, Private Norden rescued a wounded soldier and recovered the body of another, with little cover and under intense enemy fire. His actions also secured the enemy position and avoided the potential for further casualties of platoon members.

Private Norden’s service to his country continued when he returned to Australia and became an Australian Capital Territory police officer. He died at the young age of 24 following a traffic accident while he was on duty.

He was originally awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for the action.  As his citation for the DCM was being read out at his investiture, the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler VC, whispered “What do you have to do to earn a VC these days?”  No words could have summed it up better.