Investiture Ceremony for Sergeant Garry Chad MG

Sergeant Garry Chad MG; your family and friends; State President, Returned and Services League Queensland, Major General Stephen Day DSC AM; Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch President, Mr Michael Humphreys and Committee Members; Past President, 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Association of Queensland, Mr Noel Fairley; Veterans; distinguished guests. 

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands upon which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.  

Thank you all for joining us in this wonderful, serene–and to many of you, no doubt, very familiar—setting to formally recognise the actions of a man whose extraordinary courage in one of the most demanding theatres of war has been recognised as such. 

It is also, by its very nature, rare. Since its introduction, as part of our unique Australian Honours and Awards system, the Medal for Gallantry has been awarded fewer than one hundred times. It is not given lightly—and it is not given often. 

At the outset, I would suggest that occasions like this can sometimes be misunderstood. 

The presentation of a medal may, at a glance, appear to be congratulatory—even celebratory. But that is not the purpose of this Investiture Ceremony.  

Rather it is a solemn duty—to recognise courage, to honour personal sacrifice, and to acknowledge the extraordinary demands we place on those who serve. 

In Vietnam, the experience of the Australian soldier was rarely defined by grand strategy or clear front lines. More often, it was marked by uncertainty, endurance, and the quiet, constant test of resolve.  

As historian Phillip Knightley observed: "For the soldier, the war was a succession of patrols, heat, fear, and the constant need to trust the man beside him." 

It was in those conditions—on 29 July 1971, in Long Khanh Province—that Sergeant Garry John Chad displayed gallantry of the highest order. 

Confronted by a numerically superior enemy and a heavily defended bunker system, he moved forward under intense fire to take control of a situation that threatened to overwhelm his platoon.  

Wounded in the process, he pressed on—engaging the enemy, neutralising their command and firepower, and directing his men with precision and resolve. 

He was the last to withdraw. 

His actions did more than turn the course of that engagement—they saved lives. They restored initiative. And they reflected the very best of the Australian Army. 

Our soldiers are guided by the values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence. These are not abstract ideals—they are lived, often in the most testing of circumstances. 

Sergeant Chad’s actions remind us that while we hope for peace, we prepare for war—and that it is the character of our people that ultimately defines our strength. 

Therefore, today we honour not only a moment of gallantry, but a standard of service that endures. 

As we prepare to mark Anzac Day this coming Saturday, I am grateful for this opportunity to pay my respects on behalf of the people of Queensland to you, Sergeant Chad–and to the more than 50,000 Australian Defence Force personnel who fought in Vietnam, including of course the 521 who died there in service to our country. 

There seem few places in Queensland where Anzac ceremonies are better appreciated and attended than here in this beautiful corner of our State, and I thank the Returned and Services League of Queensland and Currumbin for all they do to ensure that these traditions are not only upheld, but cherished and passed on through generations. 

During several ceremonies this week in Anzac Square, and of course on Anzac Day itself, right around our State and country, we will pause to honour and remember our Vietnam Vets and all current and past ADF personnel.  

With honour they served. And with honour you, too, served.  

Lest we forget.