The first soldier killed by enemy action in Afgahanistan was returned to Australia todaay.

His coffin draped in the Australian flag and bearing his medals, was met by his family, the Chief of the Australian Defence Forces, the Amrny Chief and the Minister for Defence were both present at RAAF Amberly near Brisbane.



ABC News.

Family, friends, military personnel and government officials have gathered at the Amberley Air Force base, west of Brisbane, for the repatriation of Australian soldier David Pearce.

The C-17 Globemaster 2 defence aircraft with the body of 41-year-old trooper David Pearce touched down just before 2pm AEST.

Trooper Pearce's wife Nicole attended the repatriation ceremony with the couple's young daughters Stephanie and Hannah.

The 41-year-old's coffin was taken from the plane, draped in the Australian flag.

During a short ceremony, trooper Pearce was awarded three service medals, with the coffin then delivered into a waiting hearse.

Chief of Defence Air Marshal Angus Houston, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson and Army Chief Lieutenant General Peter Leahy attended ceremony.

His best friend, also serving in Afghanistan, was part of the repatriation party.

Trooper Pearce was killed by a roadside bomb while driving a light armoured vehicle in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province on Monday.


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Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka,
from the HD Committee and its decision.