Edna Wheatley - widow of local war hero Kevin 'Dasher' Wheatley - was among the special guests at the launch of the new book, TheVictoria Cross: Australia Remembers.

It was also an emotional moment for many other family members of VC recipients who joined NSW Governor David Hurley and a large crowd at IngleburnRSL Memorial Garden on Tuesday.

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Author Michael Madden - who met with about 60 families as part of his research - gave a fascinating speech about the history of the medal, datingback to the Crimean War of the 1850s.

He pointed out that each medal is only worth a few dollars in actual materials, but - once a war hero's name is engraved - it is suddenly worthabout $1 million.

The Governor said the book was about telling the story of "the individuals" behind the deeds of valour.

Students from St Patrick's College, Macquarie Fields High School and Holy Family Catholic Primary School joined the ceremony.

Edna Wheatley was delighted to meet the girls from St Pat's, led by history teacher Fran Music Rullo, and got teary-eyed as spoke about herhusband, who was killed in action in 1965.

Also among the guests was 98-year-old war widow Daphne Dunne, whose special relationship with Prince Harry has made headlines around theworld.

Her husband was Albert Chowne, killed in action near the end of WWII.

To read the complete article, see:
AuthorMichael Madden launched his new book The Victoria Cross: Australia Remembers at Ingleburn RSL(https://www.wollondillyadvertiser.com.au/story/5769594/campbelltown-war-hero-among-victoria-cross-recipients-honoured-in-new-book/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NEW BOOK: THE VICTORIA CROSS(http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n27a05.html)