Thai cave: Nine Australian rescuers get bravery awards
What's the story
Nine Australians involved in the rescue of Thai youth soccer team, 'Wild Boars', from the treacherous Tham Luang cave have been awarded medals for bravery in their home country.
Additionally, all nine were also awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their service to the international community through their specialist response roles in the rescue operation.
Here are the details.
Details
Two rescuers decorated with Australia's second highest civilian bravery award
Following Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull's efforts to fast-track the process of awarding the medals, Australian Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove officially bestowed the honors today.
Of the nine, two received the Star of Courage, the second highest civilian bravery decoration in Australia, after the Cross of Valour.
The rest received the Bravery Medal.
Quote
PM Turnbull pays his regards to the rescuers
"During the World Cup the most inspiring story about football was not in Russia, it was in Thailand. And the most inspiring teams were not Les Bleus but the Wild Boars, and you [the Australians]," said PM Turnbull during the awards ceremony.
Star of Courage
Star of Courage awarded to the "linchpins" of the rescue
The Star of Courage was awarded to anesthetist Dr. Richard Harris and his dive partner, Craig Challen.
The two were described as the "linchpins of the entire operation".
Notably, Dr. Harris conducted the initial medical assessments of the boys, advised rescuers on the safest extraction methods, and was the last person out of the cave.
Challen assisted the boys during the extraction.
Bravery Medal
The recipients of the Bravery Medal
The Bravery Medals went to six members of the Australian Federal Police, and one navy officer.
The six medallists from the AFP were Justin John Bateman, Kelly Craig Boers, Benjamin Walter Cox, Matthew Peter Fitzgerald, Robert Michael James, and Christopher John Markcrow.
Meanwhile, Officer Troy Matthew Eather from the Royal Australian Navy was also decorated for his contribution.