Daniel Alan Keighran, VC, is a distinguished Australian soldier renowned for his extraordinary bravery and commitment to duty. Enlisting in the Australian Army in December 2000, he quickly established himself as a dedicated member of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR). His early deployments included missions in Malaysia, East Timor, and Iraq, where he honed his skills and leadership abilities, ultimately rising to the rank of corporal by 2009.

Keighran’s most notable achievement came during the Battle of Derapet on August 24, 2010, while serving in Afghanistan. In a fierce engagement against a numerically superior enemy force, he displayed remarkable courage by repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire to protect his comrades and facilitate the treatment of a wounded soldier. His selfless actions during this critical moment earned him the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest military honor in the country, which he received from the Governor-General in November 2012.

Following his military service, Keighran transitioned to a civilian career in the mining industry, where he worked in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. He later pursued further education, completing an MBA, and has since taken on a senior role in a multinational defense company. His dedication to service continues as he remains an active member of the Army Reserve.

In addition to his military accolades, Keighran has contributed to the community as a Council Member of the Australian War Memorial since 2016. His story of bravery and humility continues to inspire many, reflecting the values of courage and commitment that define the Australian spirit.