Payne sells his VC

KEITH Payne didn’t have much time to think before taking the action which earned him the Victoria Cross in 1969, but he thought long before selling it.

On Monday the Vietnam War veteran, one of Australia’s last two surviving VC recipients, sold his cross for an undisclosed amount to Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum.

Keith gets financial security for his extended family and the buyer gets a draw card for his museum

“It was a hard call to make but I felt the time was right,” the 74-year-old former professional soldier said yesterday.

The buyer and curator, Mr John Meyers started the museum when he sold his share in a sawmill and hardware business.

“Keith’s medals will really help put Maryborough on the tourism map,” he said.

I know them both and wish them well.