Right here at Keith Payne VC Memorial Park, we honor a true Australian hero. This park commemorates Warrant Officer Keith Payne. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valor in Vietnam.
Keith Payne Park was officially dedicated on July 10 1971. The Honourable Sir Alan Mansfield K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., the Governor of Queensland, named it. The Lions Club of Stafford initiated the project.
Payne lived in Stafford when he received his Victoria Cross in 1970. He was one of only four servicemen awarded this honor during the Vietnam conflict.
In May 1969, Payne commanded the 212th Company. It was part of the 1st Mobile Strike Force Battalion. They were attacked by a strong North Vietnamese force. Payne’s company was isolated and surrounded on three sides. His Vietnamese troops began to retreat.
Though wounded in the hands and arms and under heavy fire, Payne covered their withdrawal. He organized his troops into a defensive perimeter. For three hours, he scoured the battlefield. He looked for isolated and wounded soldiers. Payne evaded the enemy while under constant fire. He found about forty wounded men. Payne personally brought some to safety. He organized the rescue of the others. He led them back to base through enemy territory.
His actions that night earned him the Victoria Cross. It was officially announced on September 19 1969. Payne received his VC from Queen Elizabeth II. The ceremony was aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Brisbane on April 13 1970. He was also made a Freeman of the city.
Keith Payne was born in Ingham, Queensland, on August 30 1933. He joined the Australian Regular Army in August 1951. Payne served in Korea and Malaysia before Vietnam.
Later in life, Payne became active in the veteran community. He helped those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Keith Payne VC Memorial Park also recognizes other Victoria Cross winners of the Vietnam War. They are WO2 K.A. Wheatley, MAJ P.J. Badcoe, and WO2 R.S. Simpson. Stafford and Stafford Heights Primary Schools students care for this memorial. Their dedication ensures this park remains a place of honor and reflection.