The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, congratulated seven Australian Special Forces soldiers who will receive awards for their service in Afghanistan as part of the international coalition against terrorism.

The Governor General will present three soldiers with awards at a ceremony at Government House in Canberra this morning, one year to the day that the first rotation of the Special Forces Task Group started operations in Afghanistan.

Signalman Martin Wallace will be awarded the Medal for Gallantry, Major Daniel McDaniel will be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Keily will be awarded a Medal of the order of Australia in the Military Division.

Lieutenant Colonel Peter ‘Gus’ Gilmore and another three soldiers who cannot be named for operational security reasons will receive their awards at a later date.

The seven citations are attached.

"These soldiers epitomise the professionalism, dedication and courage of the Australian Defence Force," Senator Hill said.

"Their efforts in difficult and dangerous situations have been outstanding and have received international praise. They have done their nation proud.

"The awards are just recognition for a job well done. That the awards cover such a wide range of ranks, from Signalman through to Lieutenant Colonel, reflects the quality and depth of leadership throughout the entire Special Forces Task Group."

As the last contingent of Special Forces soldiers prepare to return to Australia from Afghanistan, Senator Hill also praised other ADF personnel still deployed on other operations around the globe.

Senator Hill urged Australians to send messages of support to the large contingent of Australian Defence Force personnel who will be spending Christmas away from home this year.

"Given the ADF’s high operational tempo, there will still be a lot of personnel – both military and civilian – deployed far and wide over the Christmas and New Year period," Senator Hill said.

"Our operations span the globe. From the Persian Gulf to northern Australian sea and air approaches, from East Timor to Bougainville, from Bosnia to Africa – ADF personnel are undertaking important war fighting, United Nations sanctions enforcement, border protection and peace keeping work in Australia’s national interest.

"I encourage all Australians to send messages of support to the troops in recognition of the vital work they are doing for all of us."

Signalman Wallace displayed gallantry and courage under fire when performing communications responsibilities during Operation Anaconda, as part of Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan. He maintained composure under sustained heavy attack from enemy forces while performing his duties as a Signalman, attending to wounded and providing leadership to those around him. Signalman Wallace’s gallantry has brought great credit to himself, the Special Air Service Regiment and the Australian Defence Force.

Major McDaniel has displayed the highest level of commitment and dedication in leading his Squadron in Afghanistan during Operation SLIPPER. He has made tactically sound assessments and decisions and has displayed excellent leadership under arduous conditions. His distinguished command and leadership are in the finest traditions of the Special Air Service Regiment and his performance has brought great credit to both the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Keily’s dedicated approach, tireless work ethic, superior leadership and personal example have significantly improved the peacetime and wartime capability of the Special Air Service Regiment. His contributions are of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Special Air Service Regiment and the Australian Defence Force.

Lieutenant Colonel Gilmore has demonstrated an exceptionally high level of leadership and remarkably fine political acumen. His leadership has resulted in operational success and the general safety and protection of Australian ground forces and contributed directly to furthering Australian national interest in the war against terrorism. Lieutenant Colonel Gilmore’s distinguished and inspirational leadership while on Operation Slipper has been in the finest traditions of the Australian Army.

Corporal displayed the highest levels of gallantry and dedication in Afghanistan through his selfless actions on 16 February 2002 during Operation SLIPPER and his leadership in the days following. His leadership, dedication to his fellow soldiers and disregard for his personal safety are in the finest traditions of the Special Air Service Regiment and the Australian Defence Force.

Sergeant’s leadership and performance of his duties as a Special Air Service Patrol Commander in Afghanistan under difficult operational conditions were exceptional. His steadfastness, dedication and adherence to the professional standards of The Special Air Service Regiment contributed greatly to mission success during Operation SLIPPER. He has brought great credit to the Special Air Service Regiment, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Captain has displayed the highest level of commitment and dedication in leading his troop. He has made tactically sound assessments and decisions, and has displayed excellent command and leadership qualities in warlike operations in Afghanistan during Operation SLIPPER. The success and high morale of his troop can be attributed directly to his performance of duty. His distinguished leadership is in the finest traditions of the Special Air Service Regiment.