Victoria Cross medal sold for $488k (along with two US Silver Stars)

news.com.au ^ | 20th May 2008

[naturalman1975]

A VICTORIA Cross medal from the Vietnam War has sold for $488,000 at auction in Sydney as part of a collection of 12 medals and memorabilia. The medal was awarded to Adelaide-born Major Peter Badcoe for a series of heroic actions during the Vietnam War in 1967.

The Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest decoration for gallantry, was sold to an anonymous buyer, but will remain in Sydney, the auctioneer said.

Three bidders were in the race to buy the medals, with spirited bidding starting at $300,000 in Bonhams & Goodman's auction house in Double Bay tonight.

Bonhams & Goodman chairman Tim Goodman said the medal would remain in Australia.

"The collection has been purchased by a prominent Australian who wished to remain anonymous," he said.

[naturalman1975]

Citation for the Victoria Cross

On 23 February, in Phu Thu District, Major Badcoe with complete disregard for his own safety moved alone across 600 metres of fire swept ground and reached a United States Medical Adviser wounded by enemy fire, attended to him and ensured his future safety. He then organised a force of one platoon and led them towards the enemy post. His personal leadership, words of encouragement, and actions in the face of hostile enemy fire forced the platoon to successfully assault the enemy position and capture it.

On 7th March 1967, in Quang Dien District, Major Badcoe led a company in an attack over open terrain to assault and capture a heavily defended enemy position. In the face of certain death and heavy losses his personal courage and leadership turned certain defeat into victory and prevented the enemy from capturing District Headquarters.

On 7th April 1967, in Huong Tra District, Major Badcoe was with a South Vietnamese company which came under heavy small arms fire and withdrew to a cemetery for cover. This left Major Badcoe and his radio operator about 50 metres in front of the leading elements, under heavy mortar fire. Seeing this withdrawal, Major Badcoe ran back to them, moved amongst them and by encouragement and example got them moving forward again. He then set out in front of the company to lead them on and when getting up to throw a grenade he was hit and killed by a burst of machine gun fire.

Major Badcoe's conspicuous gallantry and leadership on all these occasions was an inspiration to all, each action, ultimately, was successful, due entirely to his efforts, the final one ending in his death. His valour and leadership were in the best traditions of the military profession and the Australian Regular Army.

In addition to the Victoria Cross, Badcoe's medals (sold as part of this auction) comprised:

Active Service medal 1945-1975 (Australia)
Vietnam medal (Australia)
Australian Defence medal
Silver Star with Oak Leaf (United States)
Silver Star (United States)
Purple Heart (United States)
Air Medal (United States)
Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (South Vietnam)
Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star (South Vietnam)
Wound medal (South Vietnam)
Vietnam Campaign medal with 1960 bar (South Vietnam)

[garyhope]

I still have my dad’s Bronze Star that he earned in Korea.

I can’t imagine selling it.

[Tainan]

Quite impressive. Brave Soldier Major Badcoe.

[naturalman1975]

And I can understand that. I'd never sell my father's decorations either.

But when I look at the situation here, I understand the difference.

While something like a Bronze Star is an impressive decoration, that shows great achievement, it's nowhere near as uncommon as something like Badcoe's VC.

The Badcoe Victoria Cross is one of only four VCs awarded during the Vietnam War, and the only one still in private hands.

That makes it very valuable.

Most families would find it difficult to give such a medal the security it needs.

Victoria Crosses are very valuable to thieves. Nine were stolen from a New Zealand museum last year - fortunately they have been recovered, but it illustrates the problem.

With any luck, the Badcoe VC will be loaned by its new owner to the Australian War Memorial for display - as happened with the last Australian VC sold at auction. This is the world's largest display of VCs (61 at present).

[WVKayaker]

Major Badcoe was a bad beau!

He is still a hero! RIP, Major!

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[caver]

That’s the definition of a soldier!

[Mr. Silverback]

Such things should not be sold.

Thank you, Major Badcoe. I hope you won’t mind me describiing you with that very American phrase, “a hero proved in liberating strife.”

[Mr. Silverback]

After reading your post 4, I withdraw my assertion that it shouldn’t have been sold.

[naturalman1975]

With any luck, the Badcoe VC will be loaned by its new owner to the Australian War Memorial for display - as happened with the last Australian VC sold at auction. This is the world's largest display of VCs (61 at present).

It has now been confirmed that the Badcoe Victoria Cross will wind up at the Australian War Memorial.

TV mogul gives VC to nation