Victoria Cross Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley’s Heroic Actions in the Vietnam War

Introduction

Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley, an Australian soldier, was the first recipient of the Victoria Cross during the Vietnam War. This article delves into the remarkable life of Wheatley, his acts of bravery, and the challenges he faced in receiving recognition for his heroic actions. From his early enlistment in the Australian Army to his selfless sacrifice on the battlefield, Wheatley’s story is one of unwavering courage and compassion.

Early Life and Military Service

Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley was born in a suburb of Sydney in 1937. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the Australian Army and underwent training as an infantryman. He served a combat tour with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in Malaya from 1957 to early 1959. During this time, Wheatley honed his skills as a soldier and displayed his compassionate nature. His acts of kindness, such as rescuing a stray dog and giving treats to local children in Vietnam, earned him a reputation as a man with a big heart.

Deployment to South Vietnam

In 1965, Wheatley, now a Warrant Officer Class 2, was deployed to South Vietnam as part of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. His rugby skills earned him the nickname “Dasher,” a nod to his agility and speed on the field. Wheatley’s time in Vietnam was marked by his commitment to his fellow soldiers and the Vietnamese people. He frequently went above and beyond his duties to ensure the safety and well-being of others.

Acts of Heroism

During one of his first actions in Quang Tri Province, Wheatley demonstrated his bravery and selflessness by rescuing a 3-year-old Vietnamese child who had wandered into the crossfire. He shielded the child with his own body, risking his life to protect an innocent civilian.

In August 1965, Wheatley’s valor shone once again. While working with U.S. advisors to coordinate an attack on a VC-held village, he launched a one-man assault up a steep slope, breaking the enemy’s position. His actions were so commendable that the senior U.S. advisor recommended him for the Silver Star, a prestigious American military award. However, due to Australian policies regarding the acceptance of foreign awards, the paperwork for the Silver Star was delayed.

The Battle in Tra Bong District

In September of the same year, Wheatley was assigned to a team under Capt. Felix Fazekas, operating in coordination with the U.S. 5th Special Forces Group in the Tra Bong District of Quang Ngai Province. On November 13, Wheatley, Fazekas, and Warrant Officer Class 2 Ron Swanton were advising a Vietnamese Civil Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) company during a search and destroy sweep in the area.

As the platoon encountered heavy resistance from the VC, chaos ensued. Swanton was struck by a bullet to the chest, and the right flank platoon suffered heavy casualties and scattered. In the midst of the firefight, Wheatley called for a medical evacuation for Swanton and took it upon himself to rescue his wounded comrade.

Wheatley’s Heroic Sacrifice

Wheatley, accompanied by a CIDG medic named Pvt. Dinh Do, half-carried and half-dragged Swanton under intense automatic weapons fire across 200 meters of open rice paddies to a safer area. Despite being informed by Do that Swanton had no chance of survival, Wheatley refused to abandon his comrade.

As the VC closed in, Wheatley ran out of ammunition. With the enemy only 10 meters away, the CIDG medic urged Wheatley to retreat. However, Wheatley made the ultimate sacrifice. Holding a grenade in each hand, he retreated while the grenades detonated, taking his own life and ensuring that the enemy would not capture him or Swanton alive.

Controversy Surrounding the Victoria Cross

Wheatley’s heroic actions during the battle in Tra Bong District warranted the highest recognition. However, the process of awarding the Victoria Cross, a British imperial military honor, was not without its challenges. During this time, Britain had not supported America’s involvement in the Vietnam War, leading to some opposition to the awarding of the Victoria Cross. Nonetheless, Wheatley’s remarkable heroism and sacrifice prevailed, overcoming bureaucratic resistance.

Recognition and Legacy

After Wheatley’s remains were repatriated, he was laid to rest with full military honors at Sydney’s Pinegrove Memorial Park. The South Vietnamese Government recognized his bravery by awarding him the National Order of the Republic of Vietnam, Knight’s Degree, the Military Merit Medal, and the Gallantry Cross with Palm.

It wasn’t until December 2021, miraculously escaping bureaucratic delays, that Wheatley’s U.S. Silver Star recommendation emerged. The Silver Star was posthumously awarded to Wheatley’s son, George, honoring his father’s valor and bravery on the battlefield.

Conclusion

Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley’s story is one of extraordinary heroism and sacrifice in the face of adversity. His acts of bravery in Vietnam, from rescuing a child to selflessly giving his life to protect his wounded comrade, are a testament to his unwavering courage and compassion. Wheatley’s legacy lives on, inspiring generations to come with his remarkable display of heroism in the Vietnam War.

This article is a rewrite of an article originally published in the 2023 Summer issue of Vietnam magazine, written by retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David T. Zabecki.