which military branch did he serve?
Australian soldier and member of SASR
Mark Donaldson
Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson, (born 2 April 1979) is an Australian soldier 
what is victoria cross for australia? Highest award in the Australian Honours System. why is this awarded? "decoration for according recognition to persons who in the presence of the enemy, perform acts of the most conspicuous gallantry.." who instituted it? Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia who were some of its recipients? Keith Payne and Trooper Mark Donaldson, to name some. who is the queen of australia married to? Philip, Duke of Edinburgh where does she reside? Buckingham Palace. what other titles does she hold? Sovereign of many orders in her own countries, Duke of Normandy and Lord of Mann, etc. what is the public perception about her? UNANSWERABLE when did the latter recipient you mentioned receive the award? 16 January 2009 why was he awarded? For the rescue of a coalition forces interpreter from heavy fire in Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan.
wiki:20629681
Mark Donaldson [SEP] Introduction
Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson, (born 2 April 1979) is an Australian soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award in the Australian honours system. Then Trooper Donaldson was a member of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) when he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect injured troops and then rescued an interpreter under heavy enemy fire in the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan during Operation Slipper, the Australian contribution to the War in Afghanistan. He was presented with the decoration by the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, in a ceremony in Canberra on 16 January 2009.