 For his actions during the final assault on the mission , Derrick was awarded the Victoria Cross — his nation 's highest military decoration . Derrick was the fourth soldier from the 2 / 48th Battalion to receive the award ; by the end of the hostilities the 2 / 48th had the distinction of being the most highly decorated Australian Army unit of the Second World War . The following Australian units received the battle honour of " Sattelberg " for their involvement in the battle : 1st Tank Battalion , 2 / 23rd Battalion , 2 / 24th Battalion , 2 / 48th Battalion and the 2 / 2nd Machine Gun Battalion . 
