Courage Under Fire

Courage Under Fire is a testament to a man selfless in the face of threat, courageous in the face of terror, generous in the face of suffering, and humble in the face of an honour bestowed. As noted by Dame Quentin Bryce, Daniel Keighran exemplifies these qualities.

On 24 August 2010, in battle in Afghanistan, Corporal Daniel Keighran risked his life amid a hail of gunfire to save his fellow soldiers. His actions earned him the Victoria Cross for Australia, marking him as the 99th Australian to receive the country's highest award for bravery.

Courage Under Fire recounts Daniel's unlikely journey to becoming one of Australia's most celebrated soldiers.

Daniel's upbringing was challenging. At eleven, he encountered his father for the first time with a gunshot wound to the stomach. His father relocated Daniel, his sister, and their mother 400 kilometres from their loving grandparents and coastal home to a shack with a dirt floor in outback Queensland. From that point, Daniel strived to maintain a sense of order and purpose amid chaos from family violence and criminal activity.

Inspired by his much-loved grandfather, a WWII veteran, Daniel joined the army. He discovered the structure that he missed during his teen years. Though just 17, Daniel quickly adapted to military life, always eager to learn, grow, and emulate the example of his grandfather.

Courage Under Fire is an outstanding military memoir, filled with accounts of multiple tours, extraordinary camaraderie, and reflections on the unseen cost of service. Above all, it conveys that anything is possible if you understand what you stand for.

LONGLISTED FOR THE COLIN RODERICK AWARD 2021

PRAISE FOR COURAGE UNDER FIRE

'One of Australia's most reluctant heroes. A raw, honest, humorous, and inspirational story of a modern soldier and the burden of heroism.' — Mark Donaldson VC

'From a tough upbringing in outback Queensland to selfless courage on the battlefield in Afghanistan to save his mates, this book tells the inspirational story of a soldier's soldier.' — Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd)

'Daniel Keighran would say that he was an ordinary man, just a soldier doing his job. From the occasional chaos and sometimes drama of his upbringing, in the Army he became remarkable. His gallantry and willingness to put his life on the line are an inspiration to every other man and woman in uniform and to the wider Australian community. His humility and self-effacement since his award only add to our admiration of this exceptional man.' — General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC(Mil), CVO, MC (Ret'd)

'Courage Under Fire reveals the character of a man who wears humility more comfortably than his medals. Leadership can't be taught, but it can be learned. The power is in the story. To read this one is to be a better person and a better leader.' — Dr Brendan Nelson AO

'Daniel Keighran's story, from humble beginnings to national celebrity, is one of personal character, extraordinary courage, and deep compassion for his mates. His story will make all Australians proud.' — Major General John Cantwell AO, DSC (Ret'd)

'The Royal Australian Regiment, to which Dan belonged, has the motto "Duty First". He is the epitome of what that requires of those who serve in its ranks. He is a great Australian with a great Australian story to tell.' — Lieutenant General David Morrison AO (Ret'd)