Hi All, I became aware of this last night. "Distinguished soldier Hassett dead at 90 Decorated war veteran and former head of the [Australian]defence force General Sir Francis Hassett has died. General Hassett died on Wednesday at the age of 90, the Defence Department said. "He was a fine man, warrior chief and remarkable servant of the nation," the department said in a statement. The soldier served in three wars and towards the end of a 42-year military career became head of the army and then chief of defence force staff in the 1970s. General Hassett fought in World War II and in Malaya, and is best known for his role in the Korean War battle of Maryang San. The department said he commanded an understrength battalion in what was perhaps the single greatest feat of arms by the Australian army in the Korean War. "He went on to be an innovative leader in Malaya, developing successful counter insurgency techniques that still inform army tactics today," defence said in a statement. General Hassett was mentioned in dispatches twice for bravery and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order after the battle of Maryang San in Korea in 1951." Source: Sydney Morning Herald Online Rest in Peace.
Beat me to it, Owen. Herald Sun down here devoted two square inches to news of his death. The Australian has a bit more: Former defence chief, Sir Francis Hassett dead at 90 | The Australian
http://www.awm.gov.au/people/8445.asp A review of Hassett's biography: http://www.ada.asn.au/defender/Summ...alian Leader (Defender, Summer 2005-06)-7.pdf
