Michael Pratt inducted into OPA Hall of Fame

Michael Kenneth Pratt GC (1972), this nation’s only living recipient of the George Cross Medal, is now Parade College’s first living inductee into the Old Paradians’ Association’s Hall of Fame.

Michael, who is also the first of seven inductees schooled at Parade Preparatory College Alphington and later the Bundoora Campus, was formally inducted at The Pride of Parade Gala Dinner, before more than 160 fellow Old Paradians, at The Ballroom Bell City in Preston.

He was presented with an inscribed glass plaque by Parade College Principal Br. Denis Moore, and is captured here (second from the left) savouring the moment with three of his four younger brothers Matthew, Daniel and Peter, all Old Paradians.

The inscription read;

Michael Kenneth Pratt GC

To Michael,

The President and Members of the Committee of the Old Paradians’ Association have much pleasure in inducting you into the association’s Hall of Fame.

We trust that your example may inspire all students, both past and present, with an earnest desire to uphold the traditions of Parade College, and that this may ever remain a pleasing memento of our warm appreciation and regard.

Melbourne, November 4, 2011

Michael, who termed his induction to the Hall “a great honour”, was awarded the George Cross Medal in 1978 for his supreme act of heroism some two years previous. On the morning of June 4, 1976, he intervened in a robbery of an ANZ Bank branch in Clifton Hill, and was shot in the back as a result.

He was off duty on the day and therefore unarmed at the time.

The George Cross is the civilian counterpart of the Victoria Cross and the highest gallantry award for civilians as well as military personnel in actions which are not in the face of the enemy or for which purely military honours would not normally be granted.

Michael is the only Inductee to the Old Paradians’ Association Hall of Fame in 2011. A panel featuring his image and his story will soon take its place alongside fellow inductees to the Hall, in the Hickey Foyer at Parade College Bundoora.

Inductees to the Old Paradians’ Association Hall of Fame are as follows;

2010
Louis Arthur, 1905-1972
Sir Bernard Callinan, 1913-1995
Vice-Admiral Sir John Collins, 1899-1989
The Most Rev. Arthur Francis Fox, 1904-1997
James Francis “Jock” McHale, 1881-1953
Mr. Justice Sir Norman O’Bryan, 1894-1968

2011
Michael Pratt GC, 1954 -