Biedermann, Narelle (2006) Modern Military Heroes: untold stories of courage and gallantry. Random House, Sydney, NSW Australia.

Preview

PDF (Front Pages) - Supplemental Material Download (9MB) | Preview

Abstract

Australians have always admired the heroic actions of our countrymen in the heat of battle. From our nation's proud history we all know of heart-stopping stories of courage from Gallipoli, Kokoda and Vietnam, and they have shaped the way we see ourselves as a nation. But who are our modern military heroes, the real men and women of our modern elite defence force, decorated for their unswerving duty and courage in the service of their country? This is the story of 13 members of the Australian Defence Force who have been awarded medals in the past 35 years. In these extraordinary testimonials, each person tells of the drama and danger, the emotional challenge, and how their training - and personal daring and fortitude - helped them to perform remarkable feats of courage and bravery.

Research Statement

Research Background	Prior to this work, there was no contemporary literature of ADF personnel who had been awarded medals for courage, bravery and gallantry since the Vietnam War. I sought ethical approval from the Australian Defence Medical Ethics Committee and the Chief of the Defence Force to undertake this study. Approval was granted by both bodies, with conditions placed on my access and use of material gained during my research. Thirteen members (both past and present) of the ADF agreed to participate through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data and this was used to inform the introduction to the book and a published journal article. As stipulated in the conditions of access, the body of work was firstly submitted for critical review by the Chief of Defence Force's office, and because of the sensitive nature of the work, Random House also sent it out for review prior to publishing the work.
Research Contribution	The findings of this research, through the publication of this book, contributed significantly to raise awareness of the courage, bravery and gallantry of individual members of the ADF. Until this book, their stories had never been told in a public forum, and therefore, their stories remained hidden and unknown.
Research Significance	This book has opened dialogue on the important contribution that is made by the ADF, and the depth of the sacrifice they are willing to make in service to this country.
Item ID:	47390
Item Type:	Book (Research - A1)
ISBN:	978-1-74051-372-2
Keywords:	military, narrative history, Australian military history
Date Deposited:	15 Mar 2017 03:43
FoR Codes:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2099 Other Language, Literature and Culture > 209999 Language, Communication and Culture not elsewhere classified @ 50% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1606 Political Science > 160604 Defence Studies @ 50%
SEO Codes:	81 DEFENCE > 810109 Personnel @ 50% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970116 Expanding Knowledge through Studies of Human Society @ 50%
Downloads:	Total: 526 Last 12 Months: 17
	More Statistics