Who was Australia's most highly decorated soldier in history?

Answer 1

ANSWER,Probably Sir Roden Cutler in my opinion.[3]Knight of the Order of Australia (AK)(1981)[7]Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)(1965)[5]Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)(1970)[6]Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)(1957)[4]Knight of Justice of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem (KStJ)(1965)[9]1939-45 Star[9]Africa Star[9]Defence Medal[9]War Medal 1939-1945[9]Australia Service Medal 1939-45[9]Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal[9]Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal[9] AnswerI would say probably ALbert Jacka AnswerThe most decorated soldier in Australia's military history is Tasmanian born Henry William (Harry) Murray, aka 'Mad' Harry. Indeed, Murray was the most highly decorated infantrysoldier during World War I throughout the British Empire. He served in both World War I and World War II, rising from the ranks to Lt Col in WWI and serving as Lt Col in WWII.

During World War I, Murray was awarded the following honours:

Victoria Cross, Mar 1917, Gueudecourt, France; Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG), Jun 1919, France; Distinquished Service Order (DSO) and Bar, Nov 1916, Mouquet Farm, France, and Jun 1917, Bullecourt, France; Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), Aug 1915, Gallipoli; Croix de Guerre, Jan 1919, France. He was also mentioned in despatches four times during the French campaign.

In World War II and the following years, Murray added the following medals to his already formidable list:

War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal 1939-1945, King George VI Coronation Medal, Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal.

He otherwise lived as a wool producer in Queensland, seldom wearing his medals and shunning publicity. He only attended two Anzac Day ceremonies. However, in 1956 he went to England to attend Victoria Cross Centenary celebrations, as the invitation had come from Queen Elizabeth II. His reputation only enhanced by his modesty, Harry Murray died on 7 January, 1966, suffering a heart attack following a motor vehicle accident. He was 85 years old.

It was (Harry) Murray, no doubt but it should have been Albert Jacka. He won three Victoria Crosses, some say four being Gallipoli, Pozieres, Bullecourt and Polygon Wood. Even Charles Bean stated this fact. They only gave him the one VC however. He was hated by his superiors. No doubt the greatest soldier Australia has ever had.