ABOUT MARK DONALDSON
In recognition for his bravery in the War in Afghanistan's Battle of Khaz Oruzgan, this Australian Army soldier received the prestigious Victoria Cross for Australia. During Operation Slipper (in Afghanistan), he was serving with the Special Air Service Regiment.
After enlisting in the military in 2002, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment. He went on to serve in Iraq, East Timor, and Afghanistan.
In 2010, he received the title of Young Australian of the Year.
He grew up in New South Wales, Australia, as the son of Bernadette and Greg Donaldson. In his late teens, he took art classes in Sydney, Australia; during this period, his mother disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
In early 2009, Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce presented Donaldson with the Victoria Cross.
