POA Benjamin Sime has done the Navy and the nation proud by being awarded the prestigious Medal for Gallantry in the Australia Day Honours.

The medal was awarded for gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances during a waterborne terrorist attack in the North Persian Gulf, Iraq, during Operation Catalyst in 2004.

POA Sime was deployed in HMAS Stuart at the time.

POA Sime, currently posted to 816 Squadron as a Seahawk Senso Instructor, said he felt honoured to receive such an award.

“It is a very proud occasion for both my family and me,” he said.

“I was notified a couple of weeks prior to the announcement on Australia Day and was very proud to hear the news.

“My family and friends are proud too - they have always been very supportive of my RAN service.”

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, said POA Sime’s gallantry was a tremendous example of Navy values in action.

“He should be justifiably proud of his achievements which serve as an example to us all,” he said.

POA Sime said the Seahawk helicopter he was in was conducting a surface search when a coordinated attack occurred involving the two main oil terminals in the North Persian Gulf.

“A US vessel was involved in an incident that resulted in American sailors entering the water with various degrees of injuries.

“We were called to assist one particular sailor and this involved me jumping 10 feet from the aircraft into the water to assist.

“Once in the water I supported the severely-injured sailor until a rescue boat was deployed.”

His medal will be presented in a ceremony at Government House in May.

POA Sime joined the Navy in January 1995 after growing up interested in military life.

He applied to the Navy when he was just 16 years old and has deployed numerous times, including service on ships Hobart, Stuart and Canberra.

POA Sime said serving in the RAN was a great honour and that all sailors should be extremely proud of the work they do.

“Have pride in the fact that you are serving your country.”

The citation

PETTY officer Sime gave a selfless and spontaneous display of gallantry on April 24, 2004, under the most hazardous operational circumstances following a coordinated terrorist attack against Iraqi oil terminals, during which sailors from USS Firebolt were critically injured.

Petty Officer Sime showed outstanding courage and remained dedicated to supporting a sailor in his care without regard to his own safety.

His efforts and his achievements were of the highest order and were in the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Defence Force.