Australia's highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, has today been awarded to third year laws/arts student Jacinta Harrison (20).

A ceremony held in the Great Court aimed to, and this is a direct quote:

‘Give recognition to persons who in the presence of the enemy, perform acts of the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent acts of valour or self-sacrifice or display extreme devotion to duty.’

The award was given to celebrate Jacinta’s incredible selflessness and bravery on Tuesday. At approximately 0900 Hours in the West Wing of the Forgan Smith Building a small group of third years was cut off during routine attendance of a LAWS3114 tutorial. It is believed that the squadron was ambushed by a hostile tutor who advanced on their position, firing questions from the optional readings.

According to eyewitness Billy McMahon (also 20), ‘the group set up a defensive position of blank stares and random typing in order to divert the onslaught, but the situation was dire.’

‘Their position was seconds away from being overrun when Jacinta put up her hand showing utter disregard for her own safety.’

The gaze of the tutor, which was at this point pinning down the group turned menacingly on Jacinta, now completely exposed from cover, who was prepared with an insightfully nuanced answer which completely disarmed the tutor, removing the threat.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Jacinta’s conduct in the deafening silence of the tutorial ‘inspirational.’

Jacinta is the fifth recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia since its creation in 1991.

Good Job Jacinta! And as they say in the halls of government, ‘Mark, could you grab me a Pasito?’