Frank Hassett
General Sir Francis George Hassett, AC, KBE, CB, DSO, LVO (11 April 1918 – 11 June 2008) was an Australian general who rose to the position of Chief of the Defence Force Staff, the professional head of the Australian Defence Force, serving in this capacity from November 1975 until April 1977. Hassett joined the Australian Army in 1935 upon gaining entrance into the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Serving with distinction in the early stages of the Second World War, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1942 at the age of 23, and posted as a staff officer for the remainder of the war.
Sir Frank Hassett | |
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Lieutenant Colonel Hassett at an airfield in Korea, just prior to taking command of 3RAR in July 1951 | |
| Born | 11 April 1918 Marrickville, New South Wales |
| Died | 11 June 2008 (aged 90) Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1935–1977 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Chief of the Defence Force Staff (1975–77) Chief of the General Staff (1973–75) Northern Command (1968–70) 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade (1960–63) 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1951–52) 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1951) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War
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| Awards | Companion of the Order of Australia Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
In 1951, Hassett was appointed to command the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in Korea, where he led the unit through some of the toughest fighting of the war. For his leadership and planning during the Battle of Maryang San, he was granted an immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order. Promoted to brigadier in 1960, Hassett commanded a brigade in Malaya for three years, before returning to Australia and serving in a variety of positions, culminating in his appointment as Chief of the General Staff with the rank of lieutenant general. Promoted to general after two years in this role, he was appointed Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, which was reorganised as Chief of the Defence Force Staff the following year. Hassett died in 2008 at the age of 90.