Keith Payne: A Brave Veteran's Journey from the Battlefields to Advocacy
Keith Payne, a decorated war veteran, has never backed down from a fight. With a military career spanning over 50 years, including service in Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam, Payne's bravery earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross, the highest military honour in the Commonwealth.
Keith's upbringing was shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression and the Second World War. Witnessing his father's war injuries, he felt compelled to join the army at a young age. At just 18 years old, he was sent to fight in Korea, marking the beginning of his long and distinguished military service.
However, it was one fateful night in 1969 that defined Keith's life. Amidst the darkness of the Vietnamese jungle and facing heavy enemy fire, he fearlessly returned to a chaotic battlefield to rescue 40 of his fellow soldiers. This act of extreme bravery made Keith the last Australian to receive the Victoria Cross for 40 years.
Keith's life has been a mix of public spotlight and personal struggles. Despite his own demons, he found a new purpose as an advocate for veterans, Indigenous diggers, and marginalized communities. Through his lifetime of service, he has fought tirelessly to support those left behind by both civilian and military bureaucracy.
In his autobiography, No One Left Behind, Keith Payne shares his remarkable life story in his own words. This definitive account offers insights into the heart and heartaches of a big-hearted, iconic Australian who continues to fight for his mates. The book also features a foreword by Mark Donaldson VC, adding further depth to this inspiring narrative.
