ADF announces the death of LCPL Mervyn McDonald | Aussies At War

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ADF announces the death of LCPL Mervyn McDonald | Aussies At War

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Posted on September 1, 2012 Written by Trevor DixonLeave a Comment(Edit)

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It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Lance Corporal Mervyn John McDonald during operations in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal McDonald was serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan when he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on 30 August 2012 (local time Afghanistan).

Lance Corporal McDonald is survived by his fiancée Rachael, his mother Myrna and stepfather Bernie, and brothers Percy, Roger and Gary.

Thirty-year old Lance Corporal McDonald was born in Carnarvon, Western Australia in 1982. He joined the Army on 31 May 1999 and was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR). On completion of his Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle, Lance Corporal McDonald was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in August 2008. Lance Corporal McDonald was on his sixth tour to Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal McDonald was quick witted and brought a positive energy to both his unit comrades and all those who served with him. A dedicated and enthusiastic professional soldier, he was always willing to come forward with ideas and solutions. He was a highly professional soldier, but his quiet nature and humility meant he always deflected credit back on to fellow members of his Company.

Lance Corporal McDonald has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp East Timor and ICAT, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Australian Service Medal with Clasp East Timor, Timor Leste and CT/SR, the Australian Defence Medal, the United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor Medal, the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal, the NATO non article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF and Multiple Tour Indicator (2), Commander 1st Division Commendation, Infantry Combat Badge and the Returned from Active Service Badge.

During Lance Corporal McDonald’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations;

Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Jul – Aug 2012,
Operation Norwich (Australia) Nov 2011,
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Jul – Aug 2011,
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Apr – May 2011,
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Feb – Mar 2011,
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Mar – Jun 2010,
Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) Mar – Jul 2009,
Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) Mar – Jun 2007,
Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) May – Sep 2006,
Operation Citadel (East Timor) May – Oct 2003,
Operation Tanager (East Timor) Oct 2000 – Apr 2001.