Michael Kenneth Pratt GC (born 15 November 1954) is a former constable of the Victoria Police Force in Melbourne, Australia, who received the George Cross for outstanding bravery in his efforts to thwart the armed robbery of a bank in 1976.
The official announcement was published in the London Gazette on 3 July, reading:[3] The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross to the undermentioned:-
One of the men ordered the staff to lie on the floor, another jumped over the counter and removed money from the tills while the third remained in the public area and fired a shot in the direction of the manager and a customer when they ran towards the rear of the bank.
As the first man straddled the front of the car Constable Pratt grabbed him firmly and during the violent struggle which ensued the robber was knocked unconscious.
By this time a second gunman had left the bank and climbed over the car, aimed his weapon and threatened to shoot the officer at close range ; the man had his arms extended at shoulder height and pointed a revolver directly at Constable Pratt.