The Australian special forces soldier killed in Afghanistan on Saturday has been named as Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird.
The decorated commando became the 40th Australian soldier killed in the Afghanistan war when he was struck by small arms fire during a firefight with Taliban insurgents.
The Defence Department said Corporal Baird, 32, was survived by his parents, brother and his partner.
Chief of the Defence Force David Hurley announced over the weekend that Corporal Baird had been killed during a Special Operations Task Group operation to disrupt an insurgent network in the Khod Valley in southern Afghanistan.
Corporal Baird, from the 2nd Commando Regiment, was on his fifth tour of Afghanistan, having previously served in Iraq and East Timor. He had been awarded the Medal for Gallantry for bravery in combat in Afghanistan in November 2007.
''Corporal Baird was an outstanding special forces soldier,'' the statement said. ''He exemplified what it meant to be a commando, living by the attributes of uncompromising spirit and honour, which in turn earned him the unconditional respect of his fellow commandos.
''His leadership in action was exemplary, constantly inspiring those around him to achieve greater things. Corporal Baird was an extremely dedicated and disciplined soldier, always striving for excellence in everything he did.
''Corporal Baird died how he lived - at the front, giving it his all, without any indecision. He will forever be remembered by his mates and the soldiers he served with.''
Corporal Baird's citation for the Medal of Gallantry says he showed ''conspicuous gallantry, composure and superior leadership under fire'' during an operation to clear and search a Taliban stronghold.
Under heavy fire, he displayed ''complete disregard for his own safety'' in leading members of his team forward to move a wounded comrade to safety.
The Defence Force's first death in eight months was labelled by Defence Minister Stephen Smith as a ''gut-wrenching blow'' and a sad reminder of the risks troops face as they prepare to withdraw from the war-torn nation.
(http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/24/4516837/art-353-soldier-300x0.jpg)
Quoted from SMH
Rest in Peace.