My idea of a hero

[Warrigal]

Ed Freeman would be awarded the Victoria Cross if he was an Australian serviceman.

Another war, another time - Freeman's story reminds me of John Simpson Kirkpatrick at Gallipoli.
He used a donkey to bring wounded men to safety down a route known as Shrapnel Gulley.

John (Jack) Simpson Kirkpatrick (6 July 1892 – 19 May 1915), who served under the name John Simpson, was a stretcher bearer with the 1st Australian Division during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. After landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915, Simpson began to use donkeys to provide first aid and carry wounded soldiers to the beach, for evacuation. Simpson and the donkeys continued this work for three and a half weeks, often under fire, until he was killed, during the Third attack on Anzac Cove. "Simpson and his Donkey" are a part of the "Anzac legend".

Simpson was never recommended for a posthumous medal but he is remembered as a hero and his story is told to school children, at least it was when I was at school.

He has been commemorated in a number of statues

 

[Shalimar]

Beautiful and poignant Warri.