Neil
Hilton Harden MID
161 (Indep)
Recce Flt 03 Feb 71
- 26 Dec 71
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Major Neil Harden graduated from
the Officer Cadet School on 26 Jun 1953 and was allotted to the Royal Regiment
of Australian Artillery. He subsequently transferred to the Australian Army
Aviation Corps and arrived in South Vietnam on 4 February 1971 as Officer
Commanding, 161st (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight.
Major Harden has
commanded the Reconnaissance Flight in Vietnam in an outstanding manner. By his
personal example he has ensured that his pilots have carried out their hazardous
role in an unremitting manner despite adverse flying conditions and the
withdrawal of the major elements of the Task Force.
On 11 August 1971
whilst carrying out a voice mission, in the vicinity of the Long Hai mountains,
his aircraft received enemy ground fire but, by his flying skill, he managed to
nurse the damaged aircraft back to safety.
Throughout his
tour of duty his leadership, determination and professional competence have been
an inspiration to the younger pilots of the Flight and his service has been in
the highest traditions of his Corps and the Australian Army.
* Text of
citation has been copied from the book "Vietnam Veterans Honours &
Awards Army"
by
Alexander M. Palmer.
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