Payne VC: The Story Of Australia's Most Decorated Soldier Of The Vietnam War

by Mike Colman

In 1969, Keith Payne was leading a company of indigenous Montagnard soldiers when they were overrun by a large force of North Vietnam regulars. When the company was withdrawn many wounded were left behind and Payne returned to the battlefield four times to rescue forty stragglers. For this act of extreme bravery he was awarded the Victoria Cross. But becoming the last Australian solider to win this highest military decoration came at a price; returning to civilian life, he struggled for ten years in a haze of alcohol and prescription drugs. He was eventually diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress, and for the past twenty years he has been a strong advocate for the rights of returned soldiers and their families. In 2007, he sold all of his twenty medals, including the Victoria Cross, for an undisclosed sum. This is not only the story of a brave and resilient Australian soldier, but also a reflection on the high cost and futility of war.

Genres: Military History

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2009

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging book. Gives a great account of Paynes life, the parallel experiences of his family, and also gives comprehensive background information regarding his various deployments.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, about a man who proved himself worthy of the term Hero. In reading this book, while I found myself admiring his talent at what he did, I must say, it reveals that it is not always on the battle front that wars are fought.
Kudo's must go to the wife and children as well, for living through the years, good and bad. I recommend this read to anyone who has a interest in Australian military history.