Private Gregory Sher was serving with Special Operations Task Group in Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan when he was killed in a rocket attack on 4th January 2009.

Aged 32 at the time of his death, Gregory was from the Melbourne-based sub-unit of 1st Commando Regiment.

Gregory was born in South Africa in 1978 and moved to Australia with his family in 1986. He enlisted in the Australian Army in 1998 as a Reserve rifleman with the 5th/6th Battalion, the Royal Victorian Regiment. He was deployed to East Timor in 2002 attached to 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Mechanised).

In 2004, Gregory completed the Commando Selection Course and joined 1st Commando Regiment, going on to complete the suite of Special Forces courses required to become a qualified Commando.

In late 2008, Gregory was deployed to Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group.

Gregory leaves behind his beloved partner, loving parents and two brothers.

For his service, Gregory has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps East Timor and International Coalition against Terror
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Medal with Transitional Authority East Timor Ribbon
• NATO Medal with Clasp International Security Assistance Force
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

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

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2009