Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald was serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan when he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on 30th August 2012 while on his sixth tour of Afghanistan.

Mervyn was born in Carnarvon, Western Australia, in 1982, and joined the Army on 31st 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, Mervyn was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in August 2008.

Mervyn was quick-witted and brought positive energy to both his unit comrades and all those who served with him. A dedicated, enthusiastic, and professional soldier, he was always willing to come forward with ideas and solutions.

Mervyn was a highly professional soldier, but his quiet nature and humility meant he always deflected credit back onto fellow members of his Company.

Mervyn is survived by his fiance, mother and stepfather, and three brothers.

Mervyn has received the following honours and awards:

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

During Mervyn’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) July – August 2012
• Operation Norwich (Australia) November 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) July – August 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) April – May 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) February – March 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) March – June 2010
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) March – July 2009
• Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) March – June 2007
• Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) May – September 2006
• Operation Citadel (East Timor) May – October 2003
• Operation Tanager (East Timor) October 2000 – April 2001