The Victoria Cross citation for Cameron Baird. A 2 Commando Operator who is one of Australia's most highly decorated soldiers. Click the link in my bio to listen to my conversation with Corporal Baird's best friend and fellow Operator Eddy Robinson. On 22 June 2013, a platoon of the Special Operations Task Group conducted a helicopter assault into Ghawchak village, Uruzgan province Afghanistan, in order to attack an insurgent network deep within enemy-held territory. Upon insertion, CPL Baird’s team was engaged by small arms fire from several enemy positions. CPL Baird quickly seized the initiative, leading his team to neutralize the positions, killing six enemy combatants and enabling the assault to continue. An adjacent team came under heavy enemy fire, resulting in its commander being seriously wounded. Without hesitation, CPL Baird led his team to provide support. He and his team were engaged from prepared enemy positions. Corporal Baird charged towards the enemy positions, supported by his team. On nearing the positions, he and his team were engaged on their flank. Instinctively, Corporal Baird neutralized the new threat with grenades and rifle fire. With the prepared position isolated, CPL Baird maneuvered and was engaged, the bullets striking the ground around him. He drew the fire, moved to cover, and suppressed the enemy position. This enabled his team to regain the initiative. On three separate occasions Corporal Baird charged an enemy-held building within the prepared compound. On the last occasion he charged the door to the building, followed by another team member. He was forced to withdraw when his rifle ceased to function. On rectifying his rifle stoppage, Corporal Baird again advanced towards the door of the building. He engaged the enemy through the door but was unable to suppress the position and took cover to reload. For a third time, CPL Baird drew fire and assaulted the doorway. Bullets were seen to strike the ground and compound walls around Corporal Baird. In this third attempt, the enemy was neutralized, but Corporal Baird was killed in the effort. #GlobalReconPodcast #2Commando #CameronBaird