High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Bruce Steel Kingsbury, VC (8 January 1918 – 29 August 1942) was an Australian soldier of the Second World War. Serving initially in the Middle East, he gained renown for his actions during the Battle of Isurava, one of many battles forming the Kokoda Track campaign in New Guinea. His bravery during the battle was recognised with the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. The first serviceman to receive the VC in Australian territory, Kingsbury was a member of the highly decorated 2/14th Infantry Battalion.