On 24th May 1969, in Kontum Province, Warrant Officer Class II Payne was Commanding 212th Company of 1st Mobile Strike Force Battalion when the battalion was attacked by a North Vietnamese force of superior strength. The enemy isolated the two leading companies, one of which was Warrant Officer Class II Payne’s, and with heavy mortar and rocket support assaulted their position from three directions simultaneously. Under this heavy attack the indigenous soldiers began to fall back. Directly exposing himself to the enemy’s fire, Warrant Officer Class II Payne, through his own efforts, temporarily held off the assaults by alternately firing his weapon and running from position to position collecting grenades and throwing them at the assaulting enemy. While doing this he was wounded in the hands and arms. Despite his outstanding efforts, the indigenous soldiers gave way under the enemy’s increased pressure and the Battalion Commander, together with several advisors and a few soldiers, withdrew. Paying no attention to his wounds and under extremely heavy enemy fire, Warrant Officer Class II Payne covered this withdrawal by again throwing grenades and firing his own weapon at the enemy who were attempting to follow up. Still under fire, he then ran across exposed ground to head off his own troops who were withdrawing in disorder. He successfully stopped them and organised the remnants of his and the second company into a temporary defensive perimeter by nightfall.
Having achieved this, Warrant Officer Class II Payne of his own accord and at great personal risk, moved out of the perimeter into the darkness alone in an attempt to find the wounded and other indigenous soldiers. Some had been left on the position and others were scattered in the area. Although the enemy were still occupying the previous position, Warrant Officer Class II Payne, with complete disregard for his own life, crawled back on to it and extricated several wounded soldiers. He then continued to search the area, in which the enemy were also moving and firing, for some three hours. He finally collected forty lost soldiers, some of whom had been wounded, and returned with this group to the temporary defensive perimeter he had left, only to find that the remainder of the battalion had moved back. Undeterred by this setback and personally assisting a seriously wounded American advisor he led the group through the enemy to the safety of his battalion base. His sustained and heroic personal efforts in this action were outstanding and undoubtedly saved the lives of a large number of his indigenous soldiers and several of his fellow advisors.
Extraordinary Valour and Gallantry
There is no greater courage than to risk one’s life in the defence of others. In the Australian military, extraordinary acts of bravery in the face of the enemy are recognised by the Victoria Cross (VC). Warrant Officer Class II Payne’s repeated acts of exceptional personal bravery and unselfish conduct in this operation were an inspiration to all Vietnamese, United States and Australian soldiers who served with him. His conspicuous gallantry was in the highest traditions of the Australian Army.
The Queen has been graciously pleased, on the advice of Her Majesty’s Australian Ministers, to approve the award of the Victoria Cross to Warrant Officer Class II Keith PAYNE, 12222. Royal Australian Infantry Regiment in 1970.
Keith Payne is one of the most decorated Australian soldiers
In the Service of Others, Always
Keith Payne is the oldest living Australian recipient of the original Victoria Cross. Mr Payne earned 23 service medals over the course of his military career, as well as a Medal of the Order of Australia.
He is one of the most decorated soldiers of Australia and continues to inspire others.
Birriliburu elder Rita Cutter with Keith Payne, who is a strong advocate for Wiluna and the Martu people. Photo taken in 2020.
In 2014, Mr. Payne joined forces with Michael Pratt, GC; Mark Donaldson, VC; Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, MG; Daniel Keighran, VC for the first time to inspire us all to help our wounded servicemen and women. From this gathering a unique limited edition medallion collection was created that goes to supporting military and service-linked charities. You can read more about it here.
The Keith Payne VC Limited Edition Proof Medallion, is a special gift for anyone interested in military history and in being part of his truly inspirational story. Secure yours here.**Also available on Army Shop, Air Force Shop, and Navy Shop.
In 2021, Mr. Payne published a memoir entitled "No One Left Behind" that tells, for the first time in his words, his remarkable life. This definitive autobiography reveals the story of a big-hearted, iconic Australian and the heart and heartaches of a man who continues to fight for his mates.
No One Left Behind Medallion Set
This year, Mr. Payne formed part of the Order of Chivalry procession in the recent Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, symbolising the Australian Defence Force's integral role in this monumental event. Read more here.
Mr Payne was present at the National Commemorative Service at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra on 18 August 2023. This year, the Australian government marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Explore how you can participate here.
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