Honour to humble hero
CORPORAL James Cunningham was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal ( CSM) for his service as a Section Commander in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Cpl Cunningham joined the military in 2008. Drawn to adventure, he was inspired to stay longer in the army by his leaders who were involved in Afghanistan.
He said the award had equally humbled and honoured him.
“When you go out of your way to help and assist to invoke change, you don’t do it to be rewarded you don’t do it to be congratulated, you do it to help the guys out,” Cpl Cunningham said.
“To be given this award based on the work I’ve conducted, especially in the last 18 months, I’m extremely honoured.”
Cpl Cunningham was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 at the age of 19, before returning in 2015 on a second tour as a section commander.
At the end of last year he was also sent to the Philippines.
“It’s very important that members of Defence, regardless of their rank, work hard to help others for the better,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions don’t be afraid to speak your mind and if you’re passionate enough and you try hard enough time will tell and there’s a good chance you’ll achieve what you aim for,” Cpl Cunningham said.
“The last 18 months have been the most amazing and I am very thankful to be leaving on such a high from a unit that has become my second family, being there for 10- and- a- half years.”