Sergeant Robert George Armitage joined the Australian Regular Army in 1958 and served with his present unit, the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam for a year.
When in Vietnam, for a period of almost fourteen weeks, Sergeant Armitage commanded 11 Platoon, D Company, when an officer was not available. During his command his platoon took part in a number of Battalion operations and many Company and Platoon patrols. At all times he displayed a high standard of leadership and operational knowledge under most difficult conditions. Although he was without a Platoon Sergeant, he capably performed his duties and the platoon performed well under his command.
Sergeant Armitage by his excellent example to his men, particularly when under fire, and his devotion to duty, contributed greatly to the efficiency of his platoon and was an inspiration to the younger soldiers.