At this time of the year SSV is proud to highlight the extraordinary leadership and courage of Corporal Cameron Baird, Victoria Cross (VC) Medal for Gallantry (MG) a former SSV Team Vic representative. Cameron Baird was best known as an outstanding soldier, the first Australian commando to be awarded a Victoria Cross. What is less known is that Baird was also an outstanding young sportsman. At Gladstone Views Primary, he excelled at all sport, captaining the school football, cricket and athletics team.
In 1993, he was selected in the VPSSA/School Sport Victoria 12 years and under boys Australian Football team, along with Jonathan Brown (Brisbane), Steven Greene (Hawthorn), Leigh Brown (Collingwood) and Dylan Smith (North Melbourne). The team won the School Sport Australia Championships that year. Cameron was also selected in the SSV Track & Field team in 1993, winning the national 12 years discus championship with a record throw.
Cameron continued with his sporting career, playing football for Calder Cannons, winning numerous awards, including Rookie of the Year in 1996, and in the under 18 team 1998, playing 20 games and kicking 35 goals as a 17 year old, alongside Jude Bolton, Paul Chapman and Ryan O'Keefe. Injury in his final year with the Cannons put an end to his AFL dream.
Cameron joined the army in 2000 and was soon identified as an outstanding leader, qualifying for the elite 2nd Commando Regiment. As a Special Operations soldier, his leadership in action was exemplary, inspiring those around him to achieve. He was always striving for excellence in everything he did. At times disregarding his own safety, he lead his men on numerous missions, including recovering a wounded team member while under heavy fire.
Cameron was deployed on 7 overseas tours, including service in Iraq, Timor-Leste and five tours of Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry in 2007. In his final tour of Afghanistan in 2013, Cameron was involved in numerous close quarter battles against machine gun fire. He displayed conspicuous gallantry, composure and superior leadership under fire.
Cameron was killed in action in Afghanistan in June 2013. He was awarded the Victoria Cross in March 2014. This award is the highest military award for valour and was presented posthumously by the Governor General of Australia.
In honour of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, we have an annual jumper presentation that takes place in August. The captain of the 12 Years and Under Team Vic Australian Football Team is awarded with a jumper with the same number that Corporal Cameron Baird wore.
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