Dear Members ,

I am saddened to report that due to severe medical problems, Bob ‘Yogi’ Pearson has been forced to stand
down as President/ Treasurer of the Association. Bob was our President from 2000 to 2006 and his wife Jan was
of course Mrs President. Jan however preferred to be the quiet achiever, always there.

Bob was a president who like his predecessors, had one aim in life and that was to make a difference in
the way that the 4RAR Association, Queensland presented itself and achieved for its members. Wearing his
treasurers hat he was always concerned about accounting for the Association’s assets, spending money only
if it benefited the members or the Association as a whole. I was always appreciative of his concern and loyalty
to the Association. Although Bob has stood down as President/Treasurer his legacy can be displayed in the
achievements attained by the Association in the past few years.

The 4RAR Assoc, Qld is in fact a misnomer. Because this association as well as being responsible for Qld
members is also responsible for members in Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and overseas. Bob hasn’t
left us completely as he is still on the new committee and his advice will be eagerly sought by those who
now attempt to fill his shoes. The Association has done some great things over the past six years under Bob’s
guidance and it is with some trepidation that the new committee works to maintain and improve that level
of accomplishment. Bob, on behalf of all the members of the 4RAR Associations Australia wide, thank you.
You did make a difference. Well done!

We have had the great fortune to have elected to the committee, unanimously Don Zerner as Vice President,
 Ross McGregor as the new Secretary, Noel Fairley as the new Treasurer, Bob “Spin” Woodbury as our Hospital
Visiting Officer and Bob ”Yogi” Pearson, Derek Firth and Noel Kelly remaining as committee members. I was
fortunate to be voted in as President and will continue as Editor. This is a good team who only have the
interests of the Association and the Battalion at heart and I welcome them to the committee and thank you all
for your confidence.

The Presidents and Committee members of years gone by have steadily worked for the benefit of members
and in assisting the Battalion. In recognition of the efforts of those who unselfishly gave of their time, efforts,
 knowledge and application, 6 members were made Life Members of the Association at the recent Nui Le Dinner
held on 23 September. Those elevated to Life Member with the privilege of the post nominal (LM) were:

Noel Huish OAM, (LM): President 19871996; Allan “Blue’ McLean (LM): President 19962000; Bob “Yogi” Pearson
(LM): President 200006; Max ‘Yogi” Upton (LM) posthumous: Secretary 19872002; and Alan Price (LM): President
198587 and Secretary 20022006;

It also must be taken into consideration that they continue, to contribute and without them, the Association could
not continue to improve.

The winners of the last raffle were Bob Dunn who took out first prize of the statuette donated by Psycho
Hughes just prior to his death and second prize as well. (Bob could have bought the prizes with the number of
tickets that he bought.). Alan Deeth took out third prize. Please support our next raffle which is featured in
Emu Bob on page 4.

It was pleasing to see an excellent attendance at the Nui Le Dinner on 23 September. It was a full night with
addresses elections, and presentation of Life Memberships, but that didn’t seem to upset many members who
stayed until Lights Out and some even until Stand Down the following day.

Our next major function is the commemorative service and birthday celebration at the RAR National Memorial
Walk, Enoggera on Saturday 03 February 2007. See page 11.

The 4RAR Association will be presenting the Dawn Service address at the RARNMW, Enoggera in 2007 and will be
leading the RAR in the Brisbane ANZAC Day march. We would really appreciate it if all available members could
attend on that day. Ladies and children have been requested to march behind the men next year.

Please, when you change your street and email address, let us know. A lot of information is not passed on because
we can’t find you!

I am particularly pleased that the 4RAR Honour Contingent and Project Commando have been accepted by our
members.

On the day prior to going to print we heard of the gallantry a w a r d s t o t h e B at t a l i o n . As a result
Curley’s Diary will reappear in the next issue. May we, on behalf of all our members including those in Tas,
Vic, the NT and overseas, congratulate the Battalion We wish you all a very merry Christmas and of course a
happy, and prosperous New Year. Duty First, Alan

THE STAR OF GALLANTRY

SERGEANT “A”

For conspicuous gallantry in action and leadership as a Commando Section Commander in the Special Forces
Task Group, whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan, 2006.

During the conduct of an operation in Southern Afghanistan in 2006, a combined Coalition Force conducted a
Direct Action mission against a target in the Oruzgan Province. Upon insertion, the assault force, provided by
another Coalition partner, was soon surrounded and suffered two soldiers wounded and one soldier killed in action.

A Commando Reaction Force was deployed and tasked to assist the extraction of the assault force by securing
the helicopter landing zone and covering their withdrawal. As Sergeant “A’s” section was the lead element of
the Commando Reaction Force, he received the most intense weight of fire from the Anti-Coalition Militia.

Upon arrival at the landing zone the Commando Reaction Force immediately came under a heavy weight of
rocket and small arms fire from multiple flanks. Due to the requirement to secure the extraction site, the
Commando Reaction Force held the position for over an hour. Sergeant “A” was responsible for securing the
northern flank, repelling a number of assaults whilst being engaged from ranges as close as 50 metres.

Once the extraction was complete, the Commando Reaction Force began its return to base. The Anti-Coalition
 Militia had anticipated the Commando Reaction Force’s extraction route and had prepared a series of
ambushes to prevent their safe return. As the lead vehicle commander, Sergeant “A” led his section with
distinction and courage. Critically, he was the first to be engaged at each of the ambush locations. In each
instance, Sergeant “A” led his section to assault and clear opposition from the route in a rapid and aggressive
manner, despite the frequent heavy and effective fire. On one occasion, with absolute disregard for his own
safety, Sergeant “A” personally conducted an assault on a machinegun position not more than 30 metres to
his front. This action resulted in the neutralising of the threat from the AntiCoalition Militia allowing the
Commando Reaction Force to continue their manoeuvre.

On at least two other occasions, whilst being engaged from positions as close as five metres and receiving
multiple bullet strikes on his vehicles, Sergeant “A” was forced to fight his way through ambushes by driving
directly through the killing ground, which he did without hesitation. These positions were neutralised through
the use of small arms fire and fragmentation grenades. Through his outstanding leadership and composure
under fire, he successfully manoeuvred his section and led the Commando Reaction Force through several ambush
 locations, returning them to base without injury.

During the operation, Sergeant “A” led his section with distinction, displaying multiple acts of conspicuous
gallantry whilst in combat with the AntiCoalition Militia over a protracted period of time. His actions directly
contributed to the success of the mission and ultimately the safe return of the Commando Reaction Force.
His conspicuous gallantry in action was of the highest order and is in keeping with the finest traditions of Special
Operations CommandAustralia, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

The Star of Gallantry with the post nominal SG, was introduced on 15 January 1991 and prior to the award to
Sergeant “A” had not been awarded previously. It is awarded for acts of great heroism or gallantry in action.
 It is second only to the Victoria Cross. This award is another first in the proud history of 4RAR.

                               CORPORAL “B”

For gallantry and leadership in action as a Commando Team Commander, of the Special Forces Task Group whilst
deployed on Operation SLIPPER, in Afghanistan in 2006.

During the conduct of an operation, Corporal “B’s” commando platoon was tasked to carry out the clearance
of an AntiCoalition Militia sanctuary in the Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. The platoon was partnered in support
of a Coalition infantry company. At approximately 1pm the infantry company came under heavy rocket propelled
grenade and small arms fire on multiple flanks resulting in six wounded and one soldier killed in action, effectively
halting their advance. Through thick vegetation, facing large numbers of dispersed AntiCoalition Militia and
under heavy fire, the commando platoon commenced manoeuvring to provide assistance to the element
which was pinned down. During this move, the commando platoon received a volley of four rockets which
impacted in the centre of the platoon’s position resulting in six Australian soldiers wounded in action. Unknown
to the Commander at the time, Corporal “B” had also been wounded in the foot by fragmentation from the rocket
 propelled grenade barrage.

In order to regain the initiative, Corporal “B’s” team was tasked by the Commando Platoon Commander to
assault forward and clear a group of compounds from which they were receiving AntiCoalition Militia fire.
Under these daunting conditions Corporal “B” commenced this task without hesitation, completing a rapid and
aggressive clearance of numerous threat compounds. Once achieved, Coalition elements were free to continue
with the battle providing the necessary time to effect the back loading of the wounded by helicopter to the
Forward Operating Base.

Throughout the afternoon, numerous and relentless probing attacks by a determined opponent followed.
Corporal “B” displayed extraordinary leadership and courage, inspiring his team and the remainder of the
commando platoon to repel the continued attacks. He then successfully led a team to infiltrate the AntiCoalition
Militia held territory killing several AntiCoalition Militia. Only after the engagement had been completed and the
threat to the platoon subsided did Corporal “B” inform his Commander of the fragmentation wound that he had
 sustained during the original contact earlier that day. Corporal “B” was then evacuated to the Casualty Collection
Point where he was provided with medical treatment and later extracted.

Corporal “B’s” actions as a Commando Team Commander were testament to his leadership, fortitude and sense of
 duty to his team and the platoon. His determination to continue to lead his team during the battle in
extremely hazardous circumstances despite being wounded ensured that the commando platoon regained the
initiative and contributed significantly to a decisive victory. His gallantry and leadership in the face of the
enemy has been of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of Special Operations Command
Australia, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

The Medal for Gallantry with the post nominal MG, was introduced on 15 January 1991. It is awarded for acts of gallantry
in action and ranks third after the Victoria Cross. This award is another first in the proud history of 4RAR.