Corporal Daniel Alan Keighran, VC.

 

After service in East Timor and Iraq, Corporal Keighran first went to Afghanistan in 2007. Three years later, he was part of a joint Australian Afghan National Army patrol that came under sustained attack by a strong force.

 

The enemy fire, which came from different locations, was accurate and deadly.

 

Corporal Keighran deliberately and repeatedly exposed himself in order to direct suppressing fire.

 

From high points, he identified targets for machine-gunners and light armoured vehicles. He also drew attention away from a mortally wounded comrade, Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney while he was being treated and, while under fire, set about clearing a landing zone for his evacuation.

Throughout the long action his bravery assisted the patrol to return accurate fire and to successfully withdraw without further casualties.

 

Lest We Forget.