Updated: 03 June, 2006

Australia

 

  • The Australian Antarctic Medal was established on 2 June 1987 to recognize outstanding service by those connected with Australian Antarctic Expeditions. 

  • List of recipients

  • Antarctic Pioneer Acknowledged An Australian scientist who has been instrumental in educating the world about Antarctic flora has today been awarded the Australian Antarctic Medal. The award was officially announced by His Excellency the Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC (Retd). Dr Patricia Selkirk, a terrestrial scientist from Turranurra in New South Wales, was awarded the medal as a tribute to her dedication as a scientist and the lasting contribution she has made to Antarctic research. Dr Selkirk has given selflessly of her time and energy to further community understanding of Antarctic science through her numerous publications and media involvement over many years with appointments on several significant national and international scientific committees. aad.gov.au 21 Jun 04

  • Midwinter's Day 2005 Honours List The Governor-General was pleased to announce the award of the Australian Antarctic Medal to: Mr Geoffrey Reginald Copson of 32 Red Chapel Avenue, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005 For outstanding service in support of Australian Antarctic expeditions; and to Mr Andrew Graeme Tink of 65 Clunes Road, North Creswick, VIC, 3363 For outstanding service in support of Australian Antarctic expeditions. A copy of the media release is available at the Australian Antarctic Division website. 21 June 2005 
 

  • East Timor hero new chief of defence The Federal Government announced yesterday the appointment of General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC as the new head of the Australian Defence Force) More (Jun 02)

  • New Medal ? - Labor MP Graham Edwards has thrown his support behind the idea of a medal commemorating Australian assistance in the aftermath of the Bali bombings. Mr Edwards backed Herald Sun associate editor John Hamilton's proposal for a medal. A spokeswoman for Prime Minister John Howard said he had received many proposals for various kinds of commemorations and it was too early to speculate. Hamilton posed the idea for an October 12 or Mateship Medal in a column and said it should be shaped like a sprig of wattle. (Oct 02)

  • Captain Stan Darling, DSC and Bar has died aged 95 Much decorated U-boat hunter, and Australia's most successful ocean-racing navigator.Awarded his first DSC for his courage, resolution and skill in destroying U-333 in the Channel on July 31 1944, and a Bar for forcing U-736 to the surface and sinking her on August 6. (Jan 03)

  • Jack Lockett has died aged 111 (Australia's oldest man and oldest war veteran. Last year, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and cited as "an inspiration to the Bendigo community". He also was awarded France's Legion of Honour) More  Photo (Jun 02)

  • Medals of Service (Australia - a manufacturer's site, but with much information)

  • Medal of honour For someone who admits to talking down his own achievements, receiving an Australia Day honour on Sunday was a little bit overwhelming for Blaxland's Michael Page. Mr Page's involvement as a contact and support person in the Lower Mountains//Riverland Support Group for MS rounded out the reasons for him being awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. (Jan 03)

  		• More medals for vets Peter Markwell of Wellington Point displays his new commemorative war medal. World War II veterans, widows and widowers are to be presented with commemorative medals to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Australian Government will issue medals to more than 300,000 surviving World War II veterans this year to mark the end of the war on August 13, 1945. The medals were produced by the Royal Australian Mint and feature the Australian Coat of Arms and a special design symbolic of the three services.Mr Markwell has five other medals including the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, the Australian Service Medal 1939-45 and Australian Service Medal and Bar 1945-75. redland.yourguide.com.au 30 Aug 05

  • Australian Day Honours List 2003 (Jan 03)

  • Australian Medal Ribbons (Steve Cheeseman)

  • Regiments and Corps of the Australian Army (Regiment.org)

  • War medals being devalued: RSL War medals were being devalued by the increasing frequency with which they were awarded, the national president of the RSL said. Major General William Crews said the veteran community needed to debate the issue, particularly the question of whether military killed in action were automatically entitled to posthumous medals. "After the Sea King tragedy, for example, people were clamouring for medals for the people who lost their lives. I thought that was inappropriate," he told AAP during the Victorian RSL's 90th annual conference. "This emotional clamour for medals can get out of hand." Maj Gen Crews said there was now an expectation that military personnel would receive two or three medals for fighting in the one campaign, meaning that present soldiers could receive more medals than someone who fought for six years during the world wars. "I know it's flippant but in the extreme case it's almost like you get a medal for waking up in the morning," he said. "We've got the focus wrong. It (combat) shouldn't be about medals, it's about looking after people." He said a proposal for a posthumous Gallipoli medal was expected to be mooted at the conference. His own view was that the moment for a Gallipoli medal had passed. news.com.au 6 Jul 05

  • Never too late for an award Never give up hope of receiving an award. Warren Kelly, a former corporal supplier, was presented on April 7 with the Defence Force Service Medal by the CO of No. 1 Combat Logistics Squadron – issued in 1999, the same year he discharged. The ceremony, arranged by his wife Cheryl and staff at RAAF Base Townsville, was also used to present the National Medal, issued in February this year for his service in the NSW Rural Fire Service. defence.gov.au Apr 05

     

  • Australian Volunteer Coast Guard - Members of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association will be deemed eligible to apply for the International Year of Volunteers Medal if, during 2001, they were for a period of at least 90 days, an active, Regular member who made a positive contribution to the Association during that year. This criterion is to be certified by the member's Flotilla Commander on the application form and all members of Flotillas (operational or operational support) who meet these criteria are eligible.(Ref: Mike Smith) (May 02)

  • Australian Medals

    A resource portal for those interested in Australian militaria, more specifically medals and badges of Australia's military forces. (Aug 02)

  • War hero's widow donates medals  Medals of one of Australia's most renowned war heroes and dignitaries will belong to the nation after they were handed to the Australian War Memorial yesterday. Former NSW governor Sir Roden  Cutler was yesterday remembered as a fearless soldier, a popular diplomat and an ordinary bloke who loved a good joke. His starring role in Australia's history began in June 1941, as a 25-year-old army lieutenant in Syria fighting the Vichy French. He earned the VC over two weeks, starting when he and another gunner, Peter Gordon, engaged enemy tanks and forced them to withdraw before evacuating the wounded. (Sep 02)
  • Army captain gets US medal An Australian army captain has been awarded a medal from the United States for his work in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. Defence Minister Robert Hill said Captain Paul, whose surname has been withheld for security reasons, received the United States Meritorious Service Medal for his work as a liaison officer to US forces. He was responsible for the coordination of medical support to the Afghanistan-based Special Forces Task Group. The medal is comparable to Australia's higher military commendations, such as the Commander Australian Theatre commendation or the Chief of Army commendation. (Oct 02)
  • Medals ease the pain of the fires Robert Baxter was lost for words when his service medals were replaced after the recent fires roared through his home and burned everything that was "dear" to him.Mr Baxter was re-awarded the Australian Service Medal, Active Service Medal, Naval General Service Medal as well as the Returned from Active Service Badge. (Dec 02)

  • The World War Two Nominal Roll was created to honour and commemorate the men and women who served in Australia's defence forces and the Merchant Navy during this conflict. This site contains information from the service records of some one million individuals who served during World War Two. You may search for service record details by specifying name, service number, honors, place (of birth, of enlistment, or residential locality at enlistment). Once you find an individual service record you can print a certificate of service, if you wish. (Nov 02)

  • Mayor among recipients of National Service Medal Newly elected Mayor Peter Hollister was among 17 former National Servicemen presented with special medals at an anniversary service in Devonport yesterday. Devonport's 44th Transport Squadron celebrated its 50th anniversary with a march through the city and the presentation of the 17 National Service Medals.
    (Nov 02)

  • Papal honour for former sex slave A woman forced to become a sex slave for the Japanese military during World War II has become the first Australian to receive the second highest Papal honour. South Australian Jan Ruff-O'Herne was presented with the Papal honour of Dame Commander of the Order of St Sylvester at a benediction service in Adelaide's St Francis Xavier's Cathedral. (Dec 02)

  		•  Mark Sparrow awarded CFA National Medal Stawell Urban Fire Brigade Captain, Mark Sparrow,received the CFA National Medal. (Jan 03)
  • Highest honour for Bali heroes More than 30 Australians will be considered for bravery awards for heroic attempts to save lives in the Bali bombing atrocity. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has put forward 20 to 30 names to be considered for Australia's top peacetime bravery award, the Cross of Valour. Australian Federal Police investigators in Indonesia and Australia have been taking statements from witnesses to the Kuta Beach horror to clarify acts of heroism and identify others who may be in line for awards. Police have an additional list of names, on top of the 20 to 30 put forward by the Government, they believe should also be considered for awards. Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 24 Feb 2003

  • Medal recognises Islander war efforts After more than 60 years, Torres Strait Islanders have been recognised for service on the front line during World War II. The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, presented the 1939-'45 Star Medal to 82-year-old Islander Warika Adidi this week. Ms Vale says it is the first of up to 100 medals for Islanders who served during the Japanese bombings. ABC Online, Australia - 19 Feb 2003

  • Timor leader's honour Wing Commander Margaret Hine is the recipient of the Nursing Service Cross (NSC) of the Order of Australia, for her distinguished contribution to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Hospital. She has provided exceptional service to the RAAF in her roles as the Commanding Officer of No 6 Hospital, working in East Timor with the United Nations and at RAAF Williams' Laverton base. During her tenure as Wing Cdr in 2001, she became the first Australian Defence Force nursing officer to command the UN Military Hospital in the East Timor capital of Dili.The Laverton resident said she was "doubly surprised" at news she had received the NSC, having recently been given a Force Command Commendation from the UN Military Peace Keeping Force. In 1995, she received recognition for her work in running the force's Alcoholic Rehabilitation Unit in Richmond and was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia Medal. Werribee Banner - 17 Feb 2003
  • Gulf veterans return medals Former Lieutenant Magnus Mansie and weapons system operator Brett Jones,served together on HMAS Success during the first Gulf War. Together again they handed back their service medals in protest against Australia's involvement in a war without United Nations sanction. More (Mar 03)

  • UN medals for AFP United Nations Service Medals were presented to 20 Australian Federal Police and five NSW Police officers who served in East Timor as part of Australia's peacekeeping forces. The AFP officers served in the first three detachments deployed to East Timor from June 1999 to May 2000, and NSW Police officers also served in the third detachment. To qualify for the medal, civilian police must have served 90 days as part of a UN Mission. This meant that those who served with the United Nations Assistance Mission to East Timor (UNAMET) and with the International Force in East Timor (InterFET) would not have normally qualified as each mission length was less than 90 days.However, following representations from the Australian Government, the UN agreed that those civilian police who had served in the first two missions would also qualify for the medal. In total 145 medals will be presented to officers who have served in the first, second and third detachments in East Timor. (Apr 03)

  • Increased Penalties for Defence Medals Fraud - MINASSIST 08/03 Wednesday 26 March 2003 - Penalties for fraudulently claiming Defence service will increase 15-fold under legislation introduced into Parliament today by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale. "Our community holds veterans and serving personnel in the highest regard," Mrs Vale said. "Their service and sacrifice in Defence of our nation deserves protection from those who wrongly seek to claim the same honour and respect." Under the Federal Government's proposals, the penalty for wrongly claiming to be a returned soldier, sailor or airman, or wearing medals to which an individual is not entitled,  will increase from a $200 fine, to a maximum penalty of $3,300 and up to six months imprisonment. Mrs Vale said Defence legislation specifically excluded family members of service personnel who were permitted to wear the member's medals. "This Bill will also increase the penalty for defacing or destroying Defence medals or decorations from a $200 fine to a maximum penalty of $6,600 and/or12 months imprisonment," the Minister said. Minister Vale said the changes were a result of concerns of the Government and the wider community regarding practices that were unlawful, deceitful and disrespectful to veterans and service personnel. "The increase in these penalties will enable the Government to better protect the honour of Defence veterans and service personnel," Mrs Vale said. "I call on the Opposition parties to support this legislation as soon as possible so that we can provide that increased protection." (Ref: Mike Smith - Apr 03)

  • Australian Medal Research - I received an email this week from Glyn Llanwarne who's hobby is returning medals to families of recipients. These are predominantly Australian WWI and WWII medals. He has been so successful, that the Australian War Memorial passes Glyn's information to anyone wanting to find owners of medals. As one can imagine, families contacted by Glyn are overjoyed when they have a piece of their family history returned. What is amazing is that Glyn does this for free. He is a Major in the Australian Army. Anyone wishing to get in contact with Glen can do by email at: mailto:llanwarne80@hotmail.com (Mar 02) 

  • Nurse gets bravery award A woman who dived into an ocean rip three times in a bid to save two boys and their grandfather has earned the highest bravery award of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Governor-General Peter Hollingworth presented the 2002 Clark medal to Elizabeth Anne Davidson, 46, in Perth for her rescue bid on March 27, 2001. News Interactive, Australia - 3 Apr 2003

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  • Queen's Birthday Honours: AC and AO List of recipients. Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 8 Jun 2003

  • Queen's Birthday Honours: AM List of recipients. Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 8 Jun 2003

  • Queen's Birthday Honours: military Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 8 Jun 2003

  • Australia Day 2003 Honours List Recipients The list of Defence personnel who received honours and awards within the Australia Day 2003 Honours List Australian Defence Links

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    Australia Day Honours List 2005

    You can download or print a copy of the Australia Day Honours List:

    Australia Day Honours List (RTF 345KB)

    Australia Day Honours List (PDF 212KB)

    or search for recipients by name, postcode, town or city through:

    Search Australian Honours.

     

  • Give the dog a medal IKE the pint-sized performing terrier has been given his own Centenary Medal for entertaining seaside tourists. His grateful owner, bus driver Malcolm Butt, shared his medal with his mutt after a special ceremony honouring Centenary Medal recipients yesterday. Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 10 Jun 2003

  • Kerala: Dr Marar awarded 'Medal of the Order of Australia' Dr Raman Perumpillil Marar was recently been awarded 'Medal of the Order of Australia' for his services to the Indian community in Australia. The Hindu, India - 11 Jun 2003

  • Kevin awarded Australian Fire Service Medal A Wellington man has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal. Kevin Browne was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal By Sir Guy Green AC, KBE, CVO. The award is for more than 50 years of bushfire fighting in the Blue Mountains, Wellington District, and across much of NSW. Wellington Times, Australia - 10 Jun 2003

  		•  Hijack heroes up for medals Premier Steve Bracks has personally recommended heroic flight attendants Greg Khan and Denise Hickson for the nation's highest bravery awards. Passenger Derek Finlay, a Canadian paramedic, has also been nominated by Mr Bracks for an Australian Bravery Decoration for helping thwart an alleged hijacker's attempt to down Qantas flight 1737. Mr Bracks said yesterday he had nominated the three because they acted bravely in difficult circumstances. Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 10 Jun 2003

     

  • Medals for public service officers Bruce Philip Ings received the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to NSW police. According to the citation: "Mr Ings has made a significant contribution at the organisational and policy development level within the NSW police. He has been a major contributor to the corporate welfare of the organisation and has served in many sensitive and difficult areas. Mr Ings has provided outstanding service in the ethical operations of the police and at the highest corporate levels within the commissioner's office." Supt Glenn Sheedy, of Springwood, received an Australian Fire Service Medal for his services to the New South Wales Fire Brigades. Royal Australian Air Force member warrant officer Ralf Rae Dunn, of Jamisontown, received a Conspicuous Service Medal for outstanding service as the Warrant-Officer-In-Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Training Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force School of Technical Training. Penrith City Star, Australia - 11 Jun 2003

  • Wife behind top scout's medal award Former Territory Scout leader Bob Lee was not so prepared when he received the Order of Australia Medal. Mr Lee, of Woodroffe in Palmerston, was recognised for his services to both the youngest and oldest members of the community -- through the Scouting movement and the seniors' group, the University of the Third Age.NEWS.com.au, Australia - 8 Jun 2003

  • Caring for the land reaps medal honours for men Eric Morrisby Fisher, of 'Wilgara', has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for services to the community and conservation and the environment, particularly through the Macquarie Marshes Management Committee. Dubbo Daily Liberal, Australia - 8 Jun 2003

  • Honours for Timor work Margaret and Bruce English, OAM. The Augusta residents can now call themselves this, after receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday 2003 Honours List for their volunteer work in East Timor. August Margaret River Mail, Australia - 10 Jun 2003

  • Honors medal for inaugural Mayor Mick Bawden OAM, receives a congratulatory hug from wife, Mardi, after he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. Victoria Spectator Observer Group, Australia - 9 Jun 2003

  • City recognises medal winners Member for Mallee John Forrest has presented centenary medals to 17 recipients within Horsham Rural City Council. The Wimmera Mail Times, Australia - 12 Jun 2003

  • Nashos told to wait for service medals Local National Servicemen are being forced to wait in excess of 12 months to receive their anniversary medal, according to Federal member for Bowman Con Sciacca. Speaking in Parliament recently Mr Sciacca said a lack of proper planning and a failure to allocate adequate funding to the Medals Processing Unit had caused the delay. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Danna Vale said she was aware of the National Servicemen's concerns and recently introduced new measures to speed up the application process and medal distribution. "I recently announced that all medals-related sections of Defence's Directorate of Honours and Awards would be co-located in one place to streamline processing and distribution. Redland Bayside Bulletin, Australia - 9 Jun 2003

  • AFP chief awarded Indonesian medal Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Mick Keelty has been awarded Indonesia's highest police award in recognition of outstanding cooperation to solve the Bali bombings. Justice Minister Chris Ellison said Mr Keelty was presented the Bintang Bhayangkara Utama Medal by Indonesian president Megawati Sukarnoputri at a ceremony in Jakarta. The Age, Australia - 30 Jun 2003

  • False hero convicted for wearing medals Peter Stuart Nelson pleaded guilty through a solicitor in the Hobart Magistrates Court to falsely wearing a service decoration not conferred on him and to false representation in relation to military forces. The court heard Nelson committed the fraud between July 2001 and September last year. Nelson wore seven medals, including the Infantry Combat badge and three American service medals, the Bronze and Silver stars and the Purple Heart. Magistrate Shan Tennent heard that on Anzac Day last year, the president of the RSL in Tasmania confronted Nelson about his right to wear the medals. The court heard he wore them at the front of the Anzac Day parade. Nelson, who is in South Australia seeking treatment for multiple sclerosis, was convicted and fined $170. ABC Regional Online, Australia 21 Aug 03

  • Honours list to recognise Australians who helped after Bali bombings Australia is to create a special honours list for its nationals who helped out after the Bali bombings in October 2002. Australia's prime minister, John Howard, has told parliament the governor-general will announce details of the new honours list after ceremonies on October 12, the first anniversary of the attacks. ABC Radio Australia 17 Sep 03

  • Stanhope awarded bravery medal for rescuing pilot during ACT fires The ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, has received a bravery medal at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra for his role in rescuing a pilot during the January bushfires.Chief Fire Control Officer Peter Lucas Smith and Southcare Paramedic Euan McKenzie also received a medal.The trio dragged pilot Duncan Patrick out of the Bendora Dam after his helicopter crashed while firefighting. Mr Stanhope and Mr Lucas-Smith have received the Royal Life Saving Society's rescue medal. Euan McKenzie was honoured with the society's highest award - the bravery cross. abc news online 14 Oct 03
  • Bravery honour for roo Lu A remarkable kangaroo that saved a Gippsland farmer hurt by a falling tree branch has been nominated for a national bravery award. The nomination comes after Lulu saved Len Richards in September, when he was knocked unconscious by a falling limb from a tree on his Tanjil South property. Lulu, the pet eastern grey, is the first kangaroo to be nominated for the RSPCA's Purple Cross -- the country's highest honour in recognising heroic acts by animals. Herald Sun 10 Dec 03 

  • Australian gets Legion of Honour Dr Judith Robinson-Valery, a leading figure in the study of French literature, was awarded the Legion of Honour. Dr Robinson-Valery was given the award for the contribution she has made to the promotion of the teaching of French and French literature. A specialist of French authors Paul Valery, Stendhal and Balzac, Dr Robinson-Valery became one of Australia's first female professors in 1964. She is also responsible for the creation of a number of French departments within several Australian universities. news.com.au 18 Aug 05

  • Bravery reaps rewards Three policemen who braved violent wind to rescue stricken crew during a doomed Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race were commended for heroism. The officers battled 30m waves to save the lives of five sailors during the freakish storm that capsized yachts and killed six people on December 27-28, 1998. Senior-constables Barry Barclay, David Key and Darryl Jones were awarded the Royal Life Saving's highest honour, the Bravery Cross, for their lifesaving deeds. Herald Sun 27 Nov 03
  • New Medal Group fights for more gongs Disgruntled former servicemen and women have launched a campaign for a medal for 700,000 personnel yet to receive tangible recognition for their service. The so-called New Medal Group will lobby the Government and defence chiefs to announce approval of the gong on April 24, the eve of Anzac Day. Medals are now awarded only to personnel who served overseas or who have been in the military for 15 years. The group hopes to extend this to permanent members and reservists who have served for two years or more since 1946. Herald Sun 27 Nov 03
  • Medal claim denied Thousands of military personnel who put their lives on the line in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq are being denied a campaign medal. They have been given the Australian Active Service Medal or Australian Service Medal, but no Australian in uniform has received a campaign medal since the Vietnam War despite many war-like operations. Defence Minister Robert Hill told soldiers in Honiara he would look into their case for a campaign medal for Operation Helpem Fren in the Solomons, but the Government refuses to make a decision on Afghanistan and Iraq and has ruled out East Timor. Herald Sun 1 Dec 03
  • War medal cheats face jail People who march on Anzac Day wearing medals not awarded to them or a member of their family will face hefty fines and prison under new laws. The laws will also introduce prison terms for people who deface or destroy Australian medals awarded for military service. "The improper use of a service decoration, and falsely representing service personnel, are demeaning and dishonourable to serving and former members of the defence force," Assistant Defence Minister Mal Brough said. "Their service and sacrifice deserves strong protection from those who wrongly claim to have the same honour and respect." The penalty for wearing a military medal without being entitled to will leap from $200 to $3300 or six months in prison. Defacing or destroying a medal will attract twice that penalty – $6600 or 12 months' jail. At least one false veteran is exposed by the Australian Army Records Office each week. It's believed as many as 5000 of the Diggers who take part in Anzac Day commemorations each year are military imposters who have never left Australian shores. Masquerading as a veteran is easy. Replica medals are on sale and no paperwork is needed to join Anzac Day marches. news.com.au 7 Dec 03

  • Gallant Scout leader honoured A year ago three little girls almost drowned during a sailing race on the River Derwent. Yesterday their hero, Bob Tyson, was awarded a Gilt Cross for Gallantry, one of the most prestigious awards in the scouting movement. The Mercury 15 Dec 03

  • We all deserve a medal The Injured Service Persons' Association has began a campaign to have an Australian Defence Recognition medal struck for the estimated 700,000 people who served their country but fall outside other categories for decoration. The campaign has the support of the RSL and the Reserve Forces Association. They want it awarded to all personnel who served at least two years in the Australian Defence Force since 1946, and aim to have the medal announced on Anzac Day eve next year. At present, medals are awarded for overseas service and otherwise for minimum service of 15 years, represented by the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. The Government does not favour a new medal. smh.com.au 29 Dec 03
  • Iraq war medal move The Federal Government is considering awarding Australian military personnel a special campaign medal for involvement in the Iraq war. It follows the British Government's decision to award military personnel and some civilians, including accredited war correspondents, medals for their collective bravery. The US is also planning a campaign medal. A spokesman for Defence Personnel Minister Mal Brough said yesterday those who served a minimum of one day in Iraq were eligible for the Australian Active Service Medal. The Advertiser 25 Feb 04
  • Honour for White Mouse Nancy Wake, known as the White Mouse for her exploits in World War II, will receive the highest Australian honour available, ending years of controversy over the lack of recognition she has received from the federal Government. Ms Wake has received more decorations than any other woman in the Allied forces, but they came from Britain, the US and France -- including the French Medaille de la Resistance and Chevalier de Legion d'Honneur. Now 91 and living in England in declining health, Ms Wake will be appointed a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia. Ms Wake became the Gestapo's most wanted person because of her daring missions as a saboteur, organiser and resistance fighter. The Australian 23 Feb 04
  • Bomb experts win US medals Three Territory bomb disposal experts have been awarded American medals for their work in Iraq. Sergeant Steven Attlier, Corporal Carl Connell and Corporal Damien Woolfe have been given the US Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. They were part of the Australian Defence Force's security detachment during the war. Their job was to protect Australian Government personnel working in Baghdad. They made up the explosive ordnance disposal unit. The soldiers cleared unexploded bombs and ammunition. They cleared 16 unexploded ordnance sites containing 1500 explosive artillery and mortar rounds, 42 120kg bombs, 56 rockets, five surfact-to-air missiles and more than 1100 medium calibre munitions. news.com.au 24 Jan 04
  • Confrontation (1963-1966) 'The Borneo Banyan' In 1963 when the new nation of Malaysia was proclaimed, Malaysia had absorbed the states of Malaya, Singapore (later to withdraw), Sarawak and Sabah (North Borneo) in a new Federation. Unfortunately Indonesia opposed the new nation.The Indonesian President (Dr. Sukarno) embarked on a policy of 'confrontation' and later threatened to 'crush' Malaysia. Australia made it clear that if Malaysia were subjected to armed invasion or subversive activity supported from outside, then Australian military assistance would be added to that of the Malaysian and British. The Gun Plot
  • Medal showdown clouds Anzac Day march The Federal Government has appealed to veterans' groups not to hold Anzac Day to ransom with their campaign for a medal recognising their military service. A group calling itself the New Medal Group said yesterday that the Government had created an anomaly three years ago when it created the National Service Commemorative Medal, for national servicemen only. The group said that former national servicemen could march on Sunday wearing a medal, while others, including those who had done voluntary service for many years or who had helped train national servicemen, went undecorated. theage.com.au 22 Apr 04

  • Aussie troops to receive medals Medals will be awarded to Australian troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Prime Minister John Howard. He said the Queen had approved the establishment of campaign medals for Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, to be known as the Iraq Medal and the Afghanistan Medal. heraldsun.news.com.au 25 Apr 04

  • Galantry of WWII escapees not recognised During World War II, thousands of Australian servicemen were subjected to brutality as prisoners of war to the Japanese, especially those who had to build the Burma Railway. Within that wider saga, there's one little known story of eight Australians who escaped from a POW camp only to be recaptured and executed. In all, there were 19 such cases from the war who should have received official recognition for gallantry but haven't for reasons unknown. Now, an Adelaide historian has brought the anomaly to light and hopes almost 60 years after the end of the war, that the men will finally get due recognition. abc.net.au 26 Apr 04

  • War hero laid to rest Tamworth lost another war hero on April 18 with the death of Alonzo Hernandz Palmer, better known as Steve. Mr Palmer was born in Tamworth on November 3, 1919, and enlisted in the AIF on November 30, 1942, eventually becoming a corporal in the 42nd Australian Infantry Battalion. He was one of very few ex-service personnel in the district to receive the Military Medal for "outstanding personal courage" and "cool, inspiring leadership". His citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership in the Mobiai-Mivo Rivers sector south of the Buin Road, on the island of Bougainville on July 2, 1945. Cpl Palmer commanded a section of a fighting patrol consisting of one officer and 15 other ranks. After a fierce engagement during which the patrol attacked and captured an enemy position, the patrol was entirely surrounded and communications cut by an enemy force of 50 with six LMGs [light machine guns], one mortar and rifles. The patrol endeavoured to break through on the eastern flank but was forced back. A further attempt to break through on the western flank was made. This also was unsuccessful. 
    During these two movements Cpl Palmer personally gave covering fire until his men had withdrawn into the initial position. Cpl Palmer on his own initiative then attacked the northern flank with grenades, destroying a LMG post and forcing a breach in the enemy line through which the patrol was able to fight its way out of the encirclement without loss. During the whole of the action Cpl Palmer displayed outstanding personal courage and initiative and cool inspiring leadership which resulted in a most successful action."     tamworth.yourguide.com.au 26 Apr 04

  • Lest we Forget The late Jack Daniel's service to his country has been well documented as the recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. Military service started for Jack in 1937 when he joined the Holbrook Troop of the 21st Light Horse and this unit as a whole became part of the AIF when war broke out. Allocated to 2/6 battalion as a carpenter group 2 he sailed with the second convoy to the Middle East. His patrol reported the first entry Germans into the Western Desert and he saw action at Bardia, Tobruk Derna and Benghazi. The battalion then went as part of the Sixth Division to Greece only to pull out after holding a pass for 12 days with the advance of the Germans. On the return voyage, the unit built defences in Ceylon and except for a short evacuation to Australia with Malaria, Sergeant Daniel played a prominent part in the operational engagements of the 2/6 Battalion in New Guinea. His gallantry and distinguished leadership with his own troops and the US troops at Nassau Bay won him the Military Medal in 1943 and at Maprik the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1945. Jack Daniel was awarded the DCM, MM, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Australia Service Medal and Efficiency Medal. yourguide.com.au 5 May 04

  • Legion of Frontiersmen Ribbon Chart frontiersmen.org

  • Australians honoured for D-Day heroics France has awarded eight Australians its highest military honour at ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Canberra and Paris. In Canberra, the French ambassador presented the Legion of Honour to five veterans at the Australian War Memorial. The French Defence Minister honoured three more D-Day veterans in Paris.Among those receiving awards were Queensland resident Hamilton Connolly, who commanded the 466 Squadron which dispatched 13 Halifax bombers against the battery threatening US troops landing at Normandy. Former Naval officer Willis Wright, from Western Australia, also received an award for his part in landing British troops and tanks on the beaches. Ambassador Patrick Henault also used the ceremony in Canberra to thank Australian Nancy Wake for her contribution to the French Resistance. abc.net.au 6 Jun 04 

  • Veterans win fight to wear honours A veteran has won a fight for recognition for serving in the Vietnam War. The Federal Government last week announced that 22 veterans of the Battle of Long Tan, including Buninyong's Bill Akell, had been granted permission by the Governor-General to wear honours offered 38 years ago by the former South Vietnamese Government. Mr Akell, of Delta Company 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, was awarded a Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. He had been fighting for the government to recognise the honour for the past five years. The fight for unit citations and imperial awards also continued, he said. thecourier.com.au 5 Jul 04

  • Smout donates medal to museum World War I veteran Ted Smout's French Legion of Honour medal will go to the Australian War Memorial in a final act of generosity from the much-loved digger. Mr Smout's son Westy confirmed his father had willed the medal to the War Memorial before he died on June 22, aged 106. Mr Smout had been one of Australia's last surviving World War I veterans. "He had notified the war museum (memorial) and I have a letter from them accepting the offer," he said. Mr Smout was one of four Australian World War I diggers presented with the Legion of Honour - France's highest decoration - in joint Australian-French commemorations at France's Villers Bretonneux on July 4, 1998. They were the first allied soldiers to receive the honour. heraldsun.news.com.au 8 Jul 04

  • Code Of Honor Samuel Smith is one of three Navajo Code Talkers in Fairbanks to celebrate the Fourth of July at the Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow. Smith, Frank Thompson, 82, and Alfred Peaches, 79, are spending time during the powwow to sign autographs and greet well-wishers. All three were part of the 420 Native Americans who were trained to speak military code in the Navajo language for the U.S. military during World War II. All of the Code Talkers were given Congressional Medals of Honor. news-minor.com 4 Jul 04

  • The Australians in the Boer War (Oz-Boer) Database Project marks the centenary of the participation by Australia in the Second Anglo-Boer War by making it easier for genealogists, numismatists, local historians and other researchers to locate source materials dealing with individual Australian participants. The project has three objectives:

    • to provide free online searches of the data on soldiers and nurses who served in Australian (both Colonial and Commonwealth) units that is contained in the 'Soldiers of the Queen' index to the names in Murray (the official records of the Australian contingents) compiled by Dr. McLachlan;
    • progressively, to expand the database by including pointers to other hardcopy sources of information on those individuals plus links to relevant web pages (and the email addresses of those researching them), and
    • ultimately, in the process, hopefully to identify and include entries on more of the thousands of other Australians who served in the war in non-Australian units - especially those who died and are buried unrecognised as Australian.
  • Digger awarded US war medal An Australian army officer who served in Iraq has been awarded the United States Bronze Star medal. Colonel Peter (Ted) Acutt was awarded the medal when he completed a six month posting as deputy chief of staff at coalition military headquarters. Assistant Defence Minister Mal Brough said Colonel Acutt had been awarded the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service. "He was instrumental in maintaining effective coordination between various coalition military elements, the Coalition Provisional Authority and emerging Iraqi ministries," Mr Brough said in a statement. "In particular, Colonel Acutt was a strong advocate of cooperative planning for security matters and some of his initiatives have assisted the transition to Iraqi sovereignty." theaustralian.news.co.au 5 Jul 04

  • Oppn wants 3 years, not 6 for proposed service medal The Federal Opposition has rejected Government moves to offer a new service medal to personnel who have served more than six years with Australia's Defence Forces. The Government says the idea has been given "in principle" approval by the Queen, and hopes to start issuing the service medals by mid-next year. But the Labor Party has today launched its own scheme, offering to give a service medal to regular or reservist personnel who have spent more than three years with Defence Forces. "We think six years is too long, too restrictive, it is out of line with other medals and the way in which they are awarded," he said. abc.net.au 11 Jul 04

  • New medal to recognise emergency service workers The first in a series of new medals for Canberra's emergency service workers has been unveiled at the Royal Australian Mint. The medal will recognise the contribution of staff from ACT response agencies and volunteers, particularly during the January 2003 bushfires. Melinda Jones from the Emergency Services Authority says the ACT Government came up with the idea for the medal around six months ago. "Since then both the Royal Australian Mint and the Emergency Services Authority have been working together to design the medal and to get it ready," she said. abc.net.au 19 Jul 04

  • Lib wants honours change The Queen's Birthday honours should be rescheduled in favour of awards and medals for Anzac Day and Australia Day, says Liberal senator Guy Barnett. Senator Barnett says he has written to Prime Minister John Howard with his proposal. His submission also supports replacing the Queen's Birthday holiday in June with a December public holiday recognising International Volunteers Day. "Public service and civil awards should be announced on Australia Day, January 26, with military and bravery awards announced on Anzac Day." Senator Barnett suggested awarding a new National Volunteer Medal on International Volunteers Day, on December 5. The day could be commemorated as a public holiday, replacing the Queen's Birthday holiday in June, he said. news.com.au 19 Jul 04  
  • Boy survivor's bravery nomination Stephen Nona, the 12-year-old hero of last week's miracle rescue in the Torres Strait, is to be nominated for a national bravery award. Sergeant Mark Silvert and of Thursday Island police, the co-ordinator of the search and rescue operation that was mounted after Stephen and his family were lost at sea, said yesterday he would nominate the boy for an Australian Bravery Decoration. news.com.au 21 Jul 04

  • New medal sparks mutiny on all fronts The Federal Government, which announced the creation of the Anniversary of National Service (1951-1972) Medal three years ago, is facing a continuing backlash from serving and former regular service personnel, including a newly formed group representing women. They served in the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service, WRANS, and its army and air force equivalents, the WRAAC and WRAAF, all formed in 1951. An Ex-Service Women's Medal Group has been established with the aim of having the Government announce, before the October 9 election, a review of "its discriminatory decision against ex-servicewomen who served between 1951 and 1965". The group said in a media release last week that in many cases women had served only four years. "Many signed on for another four years but were forced to leave when they got married maybe one year later." Teachers who served as officers of cadets in school cadet units, who were entitled to a medal but had to do 15 years' continuous service, have also joined the campaign. Labor says that if it wins government it would cut the six-year eligibility requirement for the Australian Defence Medal to three years, full-time or part-time. smh.com.au 27 Sep 04

  • Asylum-seeker now a national hero For 11 months, Ali Reza Sadiqi was held at a $100-a-night motel room guarded by two officers. He apparently presented too great a potential risk to be released into his brother Hussain's care while immigration authorities assessed his refugee application. A year later, the 19-year-old has been hailed a hero, and was presented with a Royal Life Saving Society award on Saturday for outstanding bravery. The teenager, who fled Afghanistan at 15, received the Rescue Medal, just one rung below the highest award, the Bravery Cross, for his attempted rescue "under extreme or difficult circumstances" after the asylum-seeking vessel Sumbar Lestari caught fire and sank in November 2001 off Ashmore Reef. Despite a disabled arm and being almost unable to swim, he spent almost an hour trying to save fellow passenger Nurjan Husseini. news.com.au 18 Oct 04

  • Diggers declare war on Anzac imposters A covert group of Vietnam veterans will target military imposters who infiltrate Anzac Day parades this month. Its members will be armed with digital cameras to identify civilians who claim to be war veterans. They will also be on the lookout for genuine veterans wearing medals and ribbons to which they're not entitled. The Coalition of Patriots for Military Honour have identified 112 pretenders across Australia, with 29 in Victoria. The CPMH is dedicated to rooting out those people who fraudulently claim military service, or who embellish their records. The CPMH would also be looking out for those wearing the so-called commemorative "tin medals", which has become an increasing problem. heraldsun.news.com.au 2 Apr 05

  • Medals of honour for chopper victims Indonesia will honour the victims and survivors of an Australian helicopter crash on the island of Nias with medals of honour. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, following a meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, said his government and the people of Indonesia were profoundly saddened by the accident. "Let me take this opportunity to state on record our deepest condolences and profound sadness for the tragic helicopter crash in the island of Nias last Saturday which claimed the lives of nine Australians and miraculously produced two survivors," he told reporters. "Our hearts go out to their families, and I want them to know that the people and government of Indonesia are grateful for their noble contribution in helping those who are suffering in Nias. smh.com.au 4 Apr 05

    • Service medal awards a first for non-Indonesians No foreigner has ever before been awarded the Satya Lencana Kebaktian Sosial, or Medal of Honour Social Service, according to Heri Syafruddin, from the honours office in the presidential secretariat in Jakarta. About 300 medals of this type have been awarded since its inception in 1959; all to Indonesians with distinguished and gallant service, Mr Syafruddin said. The bronze medal, with a green and gold ribbon, is one of the highest honours for services to Indonesia. The first Medal of Honour Social Service was presented to a doctor called Benyamin for his efforts in fighting leprosy throughout the archipelago. theaustralian.news.com.au 6 Apr 05
    • Australia's opposition calls for updated military honours system Australia's opposition Labor Party has called for the military honours system to be updated, so service personnel doing outstanding humanitarian work are properly recognised. Labor's defence spokesman, Robert McClelland, says the situation has been highlighted by the Indonesian president's decision to award medals to those involved in Saturday's helicopter crash. abcasiapacific.com 6 Apr 05
    • RSL suggests humanitarian medal Victoria's state RSL head suggested a special humanitarian medal which could be awarded to both military and civilians engaged in humanitarian relief operations.Major General David McLachlan, a member of the national RSL executive, said it hadn't been consulted on any proposal for medals for the Sea King helicopter victims. That follows reports that RSL national president Bill Crews had given a firm thumbs down on any proposal for awarding the crash victims with bravery medals.Mr Crews was quoted as saying there was no provision for awarding medals just because people died. There have been calls for the victims of the helicopter crash on the Indonesian island of Nias at the weekend to be awarded medals, after Indonesia conferred one of its highest honours on them. However, because the crash happened during an aid mission and not a military one, the victims, all defence personnel, may not be eligible for Australian awards. dailytelegraph.news.com.au 7 Apr 05
    • RSL on a mission of denial on medals The RSL has vowed to block any plans to honour Sea King helicopter crash victims with a special medal. The peak veterans' body believes the nine victims should not be given posthumous medals as there was no evidence they performed acts of bravery. "There is no provision for awards just because people die," RSL national president Bill Crews told The Daily Telegraph yesterday. "There is no automatic entitlement – and nor should there be – that just because people die they should receive a medal. The fact they died in an accident like that does not suggest anyone was brave." Under official awards guidelines, the Sea King victims are likely to qualify only for the Australian Service Medal, an honour bestowed on every soldier who serves overseas. dailytelegraph.news.com.au 7 Apr 05
    • Medal presentation a matter of honour The Federal Government was on a collision course with the RSL over wherher the victims of the Sea King disaster should be awarded a special medal. RSL national president Bill Crews has flatly ruled out a medal for the nine dead because they were not engaged in performing acts of bravery. But Veterans Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly yesterday suggested that the Sea King victims could receive a military medal. dailytelegraph.news.com.au 8 Apr 05

    • Govt sticks to Sea King honours plan The Federal Government is to press ahead with plans to award honours to the nine Australian military personnel killed in the Nias helicopter crash, despite opposition from veterans. Veterans Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly says the Government is looking at options including civilian and military honours. "There is significant support in the Australian community for honouring and recognising those who died in Indonesia," she said. "It isn't just the matter of the tragic accident. It's also that they were serving Australia's national interests in a humanitarian cause that Australians overwhelmingly supported - I think that there is a special case here." abc.net.au 7 Apr 05

    • Personnel may get new medal The nine Australian Defence Force personnel who died in the Indonesian helicopter crash may be the first people to receive a new medal struck for Australia's defence forces. Veterans Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly said the nine service personnel would be eligible for a new medal, known as the Australian Defence Medal, expected to be introduced later this year. The details are yet to be announced, but the medal is intended for volunteers with at least six years service in the defence force. news.com.au 7 Apr 05

    • Crash victims to receive medals The nine Australians killed in the Sea King helicopter crash will receive humanitarian overseas service medals posthumously. Mr Howard said the Queen had approved changes to allow Australian troops to receive the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, including the six navy and three air force personnel killed during a mercy mission in Indonesia on April 2, who were eligible to receive the medal posthumously. news.com.au 13 Apr 05

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  		• Medals for defenders of Malaysia More than 10,000 current and former Australian service personnel who fought the communists and helped defend Malaysia during the Confrontation and Emergency will be given a special medal by the Government. Called the Pingat Jasa Malaysia, it is aimed at showing how much the country values the services of the men and women who fought in the jungles during these two difficult periods in history. Australians who served in certain areas from Aug 31, 1957, to Aug 12, 1966, and those whose period of service was cut short by death or injury are eligible for the award. nst.com.my 6 Apr 05

  		• National Medals for locals Commissioner Phil Koperberg (NSW Rural Fire Service) presents the National Medals to Graham Hitchick, and to Pauline Rogers, on behalf of her husband, the late Nick Rogers of Bogan Gate. Mrs Rogers accepted the medal and clasp that was awarded posthumously to her late husband. parkes.yourguide.com.au 11 Aug 04

  • Honours for heroes in blue Senior Constable Stephen Fox and Sergeant Stephen Hegarty will be honoured with the Commissioner's Valour Award. Sgt Chris Peterson was awarded the first clasp to the National Medal for 25 years service to the force. Former Sgt Vic Huisman attained the 25-year service medal and Snr Cst Stephen Fox received the medal for 20 years outstanding service. Snr Cst Col Robinson, acting sergeant Ian Youman, Snr Cst John Keft, former Snr Cst Mark Wagg and former Snr Cst Cornelius Van Ryn and his wife former Snr Cst Cathy Van Ryn, who now manage the Tabourie Caravan Park, were awarded medals for 15 years outstanding service to the force. Acting Sgt Ian Youman was also awarded two commendations for his exemplary service and dedication to solving an investigation which involved more than 400 hours work. sussexinlet.yourguide.com.au 11 Aug 04

  • Bravery honour for Tassie hijack hero Flight attendant Greg Khan is to be awarded the Bravery Medal for confronting and restraining a deranged man who tried to hijack a Tasmanian-bound Qantas plane in May last year. Armed with two sharpened wooden pickets, unemployed computer programmer David Mark Robinson, 41, tried to force his way into the cockpit during the flight's ascent out of Melbourne. Robinson believed he had been chosen by God to kill all 50 people aboard and then crash the plane into Tasmania's Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Mr Khan apprehended Robinson in the plane's galley, where Robinson repeatedly thrust the wooden stakes into the back of the flight attendant's head as they struggled. Three passengers on Qantas flight 1737 also received commendations for their bravery on the flight. They are Edwin Alexander, Domenic Bordin and Launceston Mayor Janie Dickenson's partner Derrek Finlay. themercury.news.com.au 12 Aug 04

  • Convivial memorial for veteran The Sergeants Mess at Anglesea Barracks has been renamed in honour of Australia's oldest World War I veteran, Frank MacDonald, who died one year ago. His medals, his rank and a photograph of Staff Sergeant MacDonald as a young corporal now hang above the fireplace of the anteroom of the mess, know known as the Frank MacDonald MM Room. As well as being the last surviving World War I veteran to be decorated for bravery before his death from pneumonia last year, Mr MacDonald was a member of the 40th Battalion, the only all-Tasmanian battalion. He was the last holder of the Military Medal, awarded to him for bravery shown in Belgium in 1917. themercury.news.com.au 24 Aug 04
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    • Brigade volunteers receive National Medal NSW Fire Brigade Zone Commander Ken Hayes is picturec with Holbrook recipients of the National Medal- Marc Haynes, Geoff Wheeler, Chris Heather and Peter Wornes. holbrook.yourguide.com.au 8 Sep 04

    • AFP officers to receive medal for Bali bombing work Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers who helped in the investigation of the Bali bombing will receive specially struck medals. Commissioner Mick Keelty will present the Prescribed Operations Medal. He says Brisbane became an important coordination and receiving point for information in the wake of the bombings in the Sari Club and Paddy's Bar. About 30 other officers and staff members will also receive honours at the ceremony, which is held twice a year. abc.net.au 6 Sep 04

  		•  Labor hopes to give Long Tan medals A Labor government would initiate an inquiry which could mean the veterans of the Battle of Long Tan will be awarded the bravery decorations denied them 38 years ago. Graham Edwards, parliamentary secretary to opposition defence spokesman Kim Beazley, said Labor was concerned at the downgrading of imperial bravery awards recommended for those who fought in what remains the best known of Australia's Vietnam War battles. "Four officers, including the battle commander Harry Smith, subsequently had their bravery awards downgraded in either Saigon or Canberra," he said in a statement. "This downgrading resulted in three officers involved in the battle receiving a mentioned in dispatches (MID) award, downgraded from the original recommendation of a Military Cross. "This same level of award was granted to the postal clerk in Vung Tau for a job well done." The Long Tan battle took place on August 18, 1966, when members of Delta company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), set out to find Vietcong mortar crews who had attacked the Australian base. The United States recognised D company with a presidential unit citation while the South Vietnamese government made some of its own awards. Major Smith was originally recommended to receive a Distinguished Service Order - second only to the Victoria Cross - but that was downgraded to the Military Cross. The platoon commanders were recommended for Military Medals but their awards were downgraded to mentioned-in-despatches. Only in June this year were surviving members of D company given official approval to wear their South Vietnamese awards. smh.com.au 16 Aug 04

     

  • Twenty Victorians honoured for bravery A Qantas flight attendant who tackled a would-be hijacker was among those to receive Australian Bravery Decorations. Flight attendant Greg Khan restrained an armed man who tried to hijack a Qantas plane at Melbourne Airport in May last year. Mr Khan paid tribute to his fellow passengers who were also honoured for their bravery. Ashleigh Lancaster, 11, was the youngest award recipient after he helped rescue an eight-year-old girl from drowning at Carrum Beach last December. abc.net.au 15 Nov 04  More examiner.com.au 16 Nov 04

  • March tribute to the fallen Vietnam veterans from throughout Australia converged in Albury-Wodonga for the 27th annual reunion of the Riverina Vietnam Veterans group. The highlight was a march in Albury with Victoria Cross holder Mr Keith Payne among those marching. Mr Payne, 71, who also holds the U.S. Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star and South Vietnams Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, was the main guest speaker. bordermail.com.au 15 Nov 04

  • Darwin man honoured for East Timor bravery The Governor-General has presented a bravery award to an Australian man in East Timor. Darwin-born hotelier Ernesto Favaro was awarded a commendation for brave conduct for his actions in taking an Australian guest to safety during violent riots in the capital Dili in 2002. Mr Favaro on his motorbike personally escorted the man's taxi through stone throwing, shooting and general mayhem, as police struggled to control the riot. abc.net.au 12 Dec 04

  • I'm a fraud admits 'hero' Shane Ryan, the so-called serial hero, is a complete fraud. His three bravery awards were based on lies, he admitted. "The stories were totally made up. I want everyone to know that I was a total fraud in those areas." Mr Ryan said. He said that he would return the medals and certificates, with apologies. His admission follows a Herald Sun investigation into the three awards Mr Ryan received this year. Two were presented amid pomp and ceremony at Government House by Governor John Landy. Mr Ryan, a disabled pensioner, was handed Life Saving Victoria's highest bravery medal after claiming he rescued a drowning man in swirling waters off Station Pier. And the Royal Humane Society of Australasia gave him a bravery award after claiming he saved a man from two savage Rottweilers. Mr Ryan was given an RSPCA certificate for protecting his small dog, Muffy, in the same incident. The awards were decided on information submitted by Mr Ryan. No adequate checks were made. Mr Ryan, 50, admitted he had forged signatures and made up the names and addresses of witnesses, who were "figments of my own imagination". news.com.au 16 Dec 04

  • Nine receive bravery awards A police sergeant who rescued East Timorese villagers from crocodile-infested floodwaters and a seven-year-old girl who saved a drowning playmate are among nine Victorians to receive bravery awards at Government House in Melbourne today. Victorian Governor John Landy will present awards to the nine – eight men and a woman – for the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), of which he is patron. Sergeant Ken Dunmill, a member of the United Nations police force in East Timor, carried more than 100 people to a truck to rescue them from floodwaters rising through the village of Suai Loro on June 16 last year. Crocodiles had been seen in the area before the flood. He and four others will receive the highest award from the RLSS – the Bravery Star. Other recipients include:

    • Shane Ryan, 50, who jumped from Port Melbourne's Station Pier to rescue a man who had also jumped from the pier and pulled the man from swirling water whipped up by wild weather on March 3 this year.
    • Tim Darby, who dived into heavy surf at Barwon Heads to rescue a man thrown into the water when his boat overturned. Despite efforts by Mr Darby and two others to resuscitate him on the beach, the man died.
    • Andrew Hall, 19, who saw a yacht in trouble from a Christmas function he was attending at Mornington on December 12 last year, ran to Mornington Pier and rescued a man in his 60s who had fallen overboard in waves of 1-2m.
    • State Emergency Service volunteer Glenn Taylor, who with fellow SES members Matthew Bager and Grant Whiteside, rescued a man trapped in his car by rising floodwaters on the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen during a one-in-100-year storm on December 3 last year. Mr Bager and Mr Whiteside received the Rescue Medal.
    • The Rescue Medal will be awarded to Victoria Police Constable Dylan Owen. On February 4 this year, Constable Owen dove into the Yarra River to rescue a 13-year-old boy who had been badly injured in a brawl on Yarra Walk, in Melbourne's CBD, and fell unconscious as he paddled to stay afloat. heraldsun.news.com.au 17 Nov 04

  • Crossing line of veterans' honour Replicas of the country's highest military honour – the Victoria Cross – are being sold over the Internet for as little as $30. The duplicates have raised concerns among veterans that fraudsters may be using them to take credit for heroic actions in war they never performed. "Some people might want replicas for their private collections but there is also the danger others will cross the line and pretend they fought in a war for the purposes of Anzac Day or whatever," RSL national president Bill Crews said. "The penalties for impersonating a war veteran are very severe and these people should know they will always be found out." Under the Defence Act, it is not illegal to buy or sell military memorabilia but wearing them in public can attract a $3500 fine or six months in jail. theadvertiser.news.com.au 11 Mar 05

  • Australian bravery medal for Scot who died saving tourist A Scot who died trying to save a fellow tourist from drowning off the south coast of Australia is to be awarded a posthumous bravery medal. Dougal Smart, 32, an IT consultant from Edinburgh, and an Australian tour guide were both killed after diving into the ocean off Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island, near Adelaide, in an attempt to save a German tourist who was swept into the water in November 2003. The German survived, suffering shock and mild hypothermia, but the bodies of Mr Smart and the guide, Daniel O’Donnell, 35, were recovered by a fishing boat 24 hours later.It emerged he and Mr O’Donnell were to be awarded the Australian Medal of Bravery after an announcement by Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery. news.scotsman.com 10 Mar 05

  • US honours war-plan Digger An Australian colonel has been awarded a Bronze Star by the US for helping plan the invasion of Iraq. Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Field, commanding officer of the 1st Royal Australian Regiment, spent the first five months of 2003 at the US military's Camp Doha in Kuwait, planning Operation Iraqi Freedom. Colonel Field was part of the coalition military team responsible for co-ordinating the invasion by more than 200,000 troops into Iraq and the capture of Baghdad. theaustralian.news.com.au 8 Mar 05

  • I deserve a medal for stopping Olympic terror, says radical sheik Firebrand Muslim cleric Mohammed Omran reckons the Howard Government should give him an Order of Australia for helping ASIO, instead of trying to silence his extreme views. Sheik Omran -- who has been attacked by John Howard and moderate Islamic leaders for denying Muslims were behind the September 11 attacks -- claims to have foiled a terror plot to bomb the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. He said he should be awarded a "Queen's medal" for his regular contact with the domestic intelligence agency. "Go and ask ASIO, they will tell you who is Imam Omran. I stopped the Olympic Games attack in 2000. I stopped it ... even without the Government and without anyone. I knew about it and I stopped it when it was still in (development)." theaustralian.news.com.au 9 Jan 06

  • Five diggers receive France's highest honour Five Australian World War II veterans have been recognised for their role in the liberation of France. French Veterans Affairs Minister Hamlaoui Mekachera presented the five men with the Legion of Honour. Those recognised include high profile QC and former federal attorney-general Tom Hughes, along with Canberran Frank Appleton, Sir Brian Inglis from Victoria, Queenslander William Kaus and Bernard Nelson from New South Wales. A sixth veteran, Leslie Coleman, was unable to attend the ceremony and will be presented with his award later. abc.net.au 22 Feb 05

  • Medal for 40 years of policing Assistant Commissioner Sandra Nicholson and Division Superintendent Paul Murnane, right, present Sen Const Russell Cook with a medal for his 40 years with the police force. thecourier.com.au 5 Apr 06

  		• Hundreds honour WWI digger at state funeral Hundreds of people have attended a state funeral in Perth for one of Australia's last World War I veterans. It was 86 years ago that Peter Casserly was welcomed home from the Western Front. Today, he was farewelled at a state funeral in Fremantle. Mr Casserly died last week aged 107. He was the last Australian veteran who had survived the battles on the Western Front. About 100 soldiers formed a guard of honour for Mr Casserly as his casket, which was draped in the Australian flag. abc.net.au 1 Jul 05

  		• Veterans pin medal hopes on Andren Orange World War II veterans are looking for someone to present them with a commemorative medallion after Member for Calare Peter Andren declined. The medallions will be given to surviving WWII Australian, Commonwealth and allied veterans, widows and widowers to mark the 60th anniversary of victory in the pacific and the end of WWII on August 15. orange.yourguide.com.au 30 Jun 05

  • Le Vietnam décerne la médaille d'agriculture à un scientifique australien Australian John Copland has been awarded the médaille d'agriculture (Agricultural Medal).for his work in agriculture in Vietnam. Dr. Copland was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006. Article in French. vnanet.vn 26 Apr 06

  • Battle lines drawn over medal for defence personnel A split has emerged in the Federal Government over the new Australian Defence Medal. A number of Coalition MPs are pushing for changes to the eligibility criteria for the award, to allow hundreds of thousands more serving and former servicemen and women the chance to qualify. Veterans' groups have been lobbying the Government to make the medal, which it created last year, available to those who have served in the defence forces for two years and have completed their minimum enlistment period. Under the Government's plans, people must have served for a minimum of six years to qualify for the medal. However, their push appears doomed to fail because he is understood to be unwilling to do so, although no formal announcement has been made. smh.com.au 2 Jul 05

  • Shane's bravery earns award Shane Palmer says he's just an ordinary bloke but, the 38-year-old Wellington father of four will receive an award for an act of bravery that was anything but ordinary. Mr Palmer will receive the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal as recognition for his extraordinary selflessness in saving a man's life in 2003. While working on a property 70km south west of Forbes, the wall of a seven-metre well collapsed, burying the property owner. dubbo.yourguide.com.au 20 Oct 05

  • Medal for crash hero Darren Southon can still hear Annette Johns' desperate cries for help, almost five months after he pulled her out of a burning car about 400 metres from his home. Senior Constable Marty Holland, of the Bendigo Traffic Management Unit, nominated the Southons to the Royal Humane Society Australasia to be recognised for their heroic efforts. Mr Southon will be presented with a bronze medal by the Governor of Victoria, John Landy, in Melbourne on November 30. The society awarded Mrs Southon a letter of commendation. bendgo.yourguide.com.au 10 Oct 05

  • Curator appeals for return of war medals The owner of a business in Bentleigh, Melbourne is appealing for public information over the theft of war time memorabilia. Thieves stole almost $13,000 worth of medals and other items from the Old Tin Hat shop, between December the 29 and New Year's Eve. The shop's curator, Carl Johnson, says many of the items were on loan to the business from local families. He says most of the items are irreplaceable. "There's an obvious monetary value on the world market with the medals at least, outside that these people are disgustingly heartless individuals," he said. "This display is for the public, it's been open for 12 years, it's a non-profit display."  abc.net.au 4 Jan 06

    • Medal robbery rocks war heroes' families Historian and curator Carl Johnson said the historically significant medals were on loan from five different families of WWI veterans. The loss of a set of medals that belonged to the late Lt-Col Alfred Sutton was particularly devastating, Mr Johnson said. "Sutton was the commanding officer of John Kirkpatrick, who we know as Simpson and his Donkey," he said. "It was Sutton who first championed the cause to get Simpson awarded the Victoria Cross. When Simpson died, it was Sutton that read his eulogy." Police are looking for public assistance to find the thieves, who trashed other displays at the Centre Rd premises. news.com.au 5 Jan 06

  		•  A brave little boy Tyler Moon was awarded a sterling silver medal for bravery in a ceremony for the inaugural Pride of Australia awards in Sydney. Eight-year-old Tyler's award follows his epic two-kilometre walk through bushland to raise the alarm after a quad-bike accident injured him and his father in May last year. Tyler's award in the Bravery category was for 'an act of bravery and unflinching commitment that helped save a life'. The vote for bravery was tied between young Tyler and a Keiraville man, John Partridge who risked his life, tackling flames from a burning car, to pull the driver free with only 30 seconds to spare before the car exploded. Both received a medal for bravery, making a total of eleven medals being awarded in the ten categories. milton.yourguide.com.au 25 Aug 05

  • Geoff's third Russian medal Geoff Jelbart is pictured with his commemorative medal from Russia in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the `great patriotic war 1941-1945. parkes.yourguide.com.au 22 Jun 05

  • Devoted firefighter honoured by medal Harold Byrnes didnt want to be a firefighter but yesterday he was honoured for 41 years service. The retired Albury Civic fire brigade captain was one of three past and present firefighters to be awarded the NSW fire brigade medal for long service and good conduct. Mr Byrnes received the medal for 10 years service plus three clasps, each representing a further 10 years dedication. Present captain John Vandeven received the medal for 19 years service while firefighter Mark Trebley was awarded his for 16 years in the brigade. bordermail.com.au 12 Sep 05

  • WW2 Nominal Roll The Nominal Roll contains the service details of some one million individuals who served with Australia's defence forces and the Merchant Navy during the period 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. The number of individuals collected for the Nominal Roll include some 50,600 members of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), 845,000 from the Australian Army, and 218,300 members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as well as approximately 3,500 merchant mariners. This link allows researchers to search by individual Order, Decorations or Medal won by Australians during WW2. Mar 05

  • Digger wins US bravery medal An Australian army officer has been awarded the United States Bronze Star for his outstanding service while on an exchange posting with US forces in Iraq. The medal was presented to Major Perry Gunder for his exceptional and meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "Major Gunder's performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the Australian army." news.com.au 17 Mar 05

  • Papers reveal Bolte and Downer peerage search The honour of serving the country was chiefly about inclusion on the Queen's honours list, Tony Stephens reports. Australia's political leaders, busily pronouncing the nation's bold, independent, egalitarian spirit, were, at the same time in 1972, queueing to join a bunyip aristocracy. London cabled Canberra that too many names were put forward for knighthoods in that year's Queen's birthday honours list. It would have to be culled. What's more, Australians wanted to sit in the House of Lords as life peers. Sir Henry Bolte wanted to be Baron Bolte. Sir Alexander Downer wanted to be there, too. He had even spoken to the British prime minister about it. And claims were being made for Sir Robert Menzies, already a knight of the thistle. These revelations emerge from remarkably frank Hasluck papers dealing with his time as governor-general from 1969 to 1974, held by the National Archives of Australia. theage.com.au 4 Jun 05

  • Fascist's son faces war medal claim The son of self-confessed Hungarian fascist Lajos Polgar has been accused of being a military impostor and wearing a fraudulent war medal during an Anzac Day commemoration service. The allegation against Melbourne man Lou Polgar comes after his father admitted using a false name and concealing his wartime service with the Nazi-aligned Arrow Cross party when he entered Australia as a displaced person in 1949. But Lou Polgar of Ferntree Gully in Melbourne - who has been interviewed by the Australian Federal Police over the war medal claim - vigorously denies committing military fraud. A body called The Coalition for the Patriots of Military Honour, which publishes names of alleged military impostors on a website, wrote to Mr Polgar in July accusing him of fraudulently posing as a Vietnam veteran. War medals are worn on the left side of the chest. The medals of relatives or friends can also be worn, but they are pinned to the right side of the chest. Military impostors can face up to six months in jail and a $3000 fine if they are prosecuted. theaustralian.news.com.au 7 Sep 05

  • Wolf Blass gets top German honour South Australian wine industry leader Wolf Blass has received one of the German government's most prestigious honours. In a ceremony held at the German Embassy in Canberra Mr Blass was presented with the Cross of the Order of Merit. The award is Germany's highest honour for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to political, economic and cultural life. Mr Blass was nominated for nurturing positive relationships between the German and Australian people. The few previous Australian recipients of the Cross of the Order of Merit are the former chairman of Western Mining, Sir Arvi Parbo, and the former chairman of CSR, Sir Gordon Jackson. Mr Blass was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia (AM) in 2001. theadvertiser.news.com.au 25 Oct 05

  • New Clasp INDIAN OCEAN for Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM) - On 19 October 2005, the Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia approved the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and Other Natural Disasters Relief) Determination 2005. The determination identifies the eligible organisations involved in the 2004-05 tsunami relief effort and the related Nias Island earthquake relief effort. Only members of eligible organisations may be nominated for the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal. (See the Guide to Eligible Groups) The eligibility criteria for the INDIAN OCEAN clasp are set out in the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and Other Natural Disasters Relief) Regulations 2005. Procedures applying to eligible Australian Defence Force personnel will be notified by the Department of Defence’s Directorate of Honours and Awards. Members of other eligible organisations, if they have not already been contacted by their organisation about the medal, should use the HOSM Application Form. Some organisations are still under consideration. If further organisations are considered to be eligible, another determination will be made at a later date. itsanhonour.gov.au 4 Nov 05

  • Médaille d'amitié à deux Australiens dévoués à la santé du peuple vietnamien Ralp Parker and Mrs Tuyet Parker, co-presidents of the Vietnam Outreach-Australia have been awarded the Médaille d'amitié (Friendship Medal) for their contributions to the care and of sick Vietnamese. vnagency.com.vn 29 Nov 05

  • Distinguished Service Decorations - The Governor-General is pleased to announce the following award of the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM): Captain Anthony James Gilchrist, NSW. For distinguished service as the Operations and Intelligence Officer for the Combined Explosives Exploitation Cell during Operation CATALYST in Iraq. 14 Nov 05

  • Ambulance man hands back his medal in ACC protest Bruce Gardiner was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for his work as an ambulance driver. Now he has handed it back in protest at ACC's refusal to help him overcome a life-changing ordeal while he was a truck driver. The 60-year-old Hamilton man cried as he stood at the entrance to Government House and returned his medal to a police officer stationed at the gates. The move is in protest at what he says are unjust ACC laws that stop him receiving compensation for mental anguish. Mr Gardiner, a former Fonterra tanker driver, has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for nearly four years since a teenager threw himself in front of his truck. He and his lawyer Quentin Mines said the National government changed the ACC law in 1992, ending the right to claim for mental injuries unless they were caused by a physical injury or a sex crime. In 2001, a Labour government reinforced the law. "There are far more ways of getting post-traumatic stress disorder than the one they accept, just as there are hundreds of different ways of breaking a leg and they accept (them)," Mr Mines said. "But with post-traumatic stress disorder they only accept one. That's discrimination." stuff.co.nz 8 Mar 06

    • I've been informed by Jeremy Seed in Australia that the print version of the newspaper (The DominionPost) ran a photo of the man in question returning his medal and it was clearly NOT the Queens Service Medal, he was in fact returning a St John Ambulance Long Service Medal - thought you may appreciate knowing just how wrong the media got this one!

  • Games bling With eight days to go until competition begins, the Commonwealth Games Medals have been unveiled. Victorian Premier Steve Bracks said the designs united the heritage of the Games with the spirit of M2006 and recognised the significance of sporting achievement. The Commonwealth Games Federation emblem is embossed on the front while the words "humanity", "equality" and "destiny" are engraved on the back. dailytelegraph.news.com.au 7 Mar 06
  • Anderson awarded for bravery Sergeant Peter Anderson joined Victoria's brave men, women and children at a reception at Government House where he was presented with a Bravery Medal. The former Ballarat policeman was honoured with the award for rescuing a 16-year-old girl who had been imprisoned and raped in a mineshaft. Sgt Anderson crawled more than 60m through dark and narrow caves on Saturday, November 28, 1998. He found, subdued and arrested Anthony James Pitt, then 41, and led the victim to safety. Pitt was later jailed for 17 years for his crimes. thecourier.com.au 15 Dec 05
  • Kiss and a medal for little hero A boy who was stabbed repeatedly as he shielded his mother from an intruder in their family home was honoured. Simon Bui Tran, who was six when a man attacked his mother with a knife in their Springvale home, was recognised with a Bravery Award. Simon was one of 16 people, as well as a team of emergency service workers, who were recognised for their courage. University lecturer Dr Lee Gordon-Brown accepted the highest civilian bravery award -- the Star of Courage -- for disarming a gunman who opened fire in a classroom at Monash University in 2002. Two students were killed and five wounded. Dr Gordon-Brown, 47, of Montrose, was shot twice in the struggle. Other recipients were: Teen Joel Chester, who rescued a boy stuck under a train at Riversdale station last year. Police Sgt Peter Anderson, who crawled through narrow mine shafts at Black Hill Reserve, near Ballarat, to save a girl who had been abducted in 1998. Stanley Balfour, who dragged a man and a woman from a burning car on the Bendigo-Maryborough road in Bendigo last year. Troy Campbell, Keith Haire and Mark Peers, who rescued a firefighter from floodwater near Mt Selwyn in the Snowy Mountains in 2003. A team of police, paramedics, SES and CFA workers who freed a man buried in a landslide at Jan Juc beach in 2001. heraldsun.news.com.au 15 Dec 05
  • Tales of gallantry inspire war author The cockiness of youth down the ages came back to author Ron Austin in completing his new Gallipoli Encyclopedia in time for Remembrance Day this week. The encyclopedia includes a unique list of the 234 Australians who won the Military Medal for bravery at Gallipoli. The 288-page encyclopedia, with quick, handy cross references to thousands of names and facts, is the eighth Great War book by Mr Austin, through his firm Slouch Hat Publications. It sells for $55. heraldsun.news.com.au 7 Nov 05
  • Navy honours last WWI fighter One of Australia's last links to World War I has been farewelled with a state funeral at a Victorian naval base. William Evan Allan died last week at the age of 106. Mr Allan, known as 'Darby' to his naval friends, became a sailor at 14 and fought overseas in both World Wars, retiring as a lieutenant in 1947. He saw active service in the Pacific and Indian Oceans in World War I. He was the last survivor of more than 300,000 Australians who served in overseas combat during the Great War. His death leaves 106-year-old Bendigo veteran Jack Ross as the last Australian survivor of more than 300,000 who signed up to fight in the Great War. abc.net.au 25 Oct 05
  • 15 years continuous fire brigade service David Garland is best known to his students at Gloucester High School as an industrial arts teacher but outside school hours he is a member of Dungog's NSW fire brigade and has recently been recognised for 15 years of continuous service. David also received the NSW Fire Brigade long service and good conduct medal which recognises diligent long service and good conduct by members of the brigade. gloucester.yorguide.com.au 2 Nov 05
  • Plaudits for humble heroes Pride of Australia Award winners Steve Hutcheson, Kevin Browne, Beryl Hamilton, Stan Hamilton, Crystal Wallace, Michael Smith, Manfred Zabinskas, Donna Zabinskas, Bill Page, Kim Thien Truong, Bruce Johnstone and Charlie Galea. A dozen ordinary Victorians with extraordinary hearts have been recognised in the Pride of Australia Awards. heraldsun.news.com.au 12 Oct 05

     

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    Bravery award for deckhand The deckhand who died trying to rescue his skipper in the Kelso Reef pontoon accident in 2000 will receive a posthumous award from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Barnaby Houghton-Ward died from asphyxiation when he tried to rescue boat skipper Graham John Hay from the poisoned air of the pontoon's rusted and toxic interior on November 10, 2000. Mr Hay also died in the tragedy. David Thomas Pollock of Townsville and Michael Francis Easton, from Proserpine will each receive the Clark Medal for outstanding bravery. Nominated for the medal by the Queensland Police Service, the citation says that both men, "without thought or care for their personal safety displayed great courage and valour and were responsible for saving the life of one of their co-workers". The man they saved, Fraser Andrew Shepherd, will also be recognised with the society's Silver Medal. Mr Shepherd was the first to respond to calls for help on the pontoon, immediately taking a scuba tank and regulator into the void, but was knocked unconscious in the effort. Adam John Kirkham and Eric Charles Haworth, who recovered Mr Hay's body, will receive the Bronze Medal for their roles. Kenneth William Schafer and Jeffery Mark Davey, who worked on top of the pontoon to help haul people out and worked on resuscitation, will receive Certificates of Merit. townsvillebulletin.news.com.au 16 Mar 05

  • Viet hero backs medal campaign One of Australia's most highly decorated war veterans has backed the campaign to award a Victoria Cross to Gallipoli hero John Simpson Kirkpatrick. Queenslander Keith Payne, who won the VC in the Vietnam War, said Simpson's heroics overwhelming supported the push for him to receive the top honour. Private Simpson, the man behind the legend of Simpson and his Donkey, was killed in action in 1915, aged just 22 – but not before saving more than 300 wounded comrades under withering Turkish fire. The UK-born medical orderly was recommended for the VC by superiors but never received it because of a paperwork blunder. But Ms Kelly conceded that red tape might make it difficult to award Simpson a VC and later in the week the government seemed to back away further when a spokesman for Ms Kelly said the Minister would "pursue other avenues in an attempt to recognise his bravery and sacrifice . . ." According to opponents of the VC for Simpson move, nobody can be decorated twice for the same meritorious action. Simpson received a Mention in Dispatches, a minor award without a medal.As well, the honours and awards list was closed six months after the armistice on November 11, 1918, and no minister or even PM has the power to reopen it.However, Simpson supporters dismiss this stance as bureaucratic obstinance. They point out that since 1991, Australia has had its own VC, which can be awarded by the Federal Government without reference to the British War Office. thesundaymail.news.com.au 13 Mar 05

  • Police members receive medals Three Victoria Police members have received medals for outstanding service to the force. Brian Barber was presented with his National Service Medal, marking 15 years of service to Victoria Police. Leading Senior Constable Barber also received his 15 year bar for the Police Ethical Services Medal. Senior Constable Darryle Harrison and Senior Constable Darryl Anderson received their bars for the Ethical Services Medal and their National Service Medals. L-R S/C Darryle Harrison, Superintendent Albert Wright, S/C Brian Barber and S/C Darryl Anderson. stawell.yourguide.com.au 6 May 05

  • The thin blue line honours fallen mates Moving tributes were held across the country as part of National Police Remembrance Day to honour officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The first Victoria Police Star medals were presented to the parents of constables Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre, who were gunned down in Walsh Street, South Yarra, in 1988. The medal is a new award introduced to honour officers seriously injured or killed at work but who are not eligible for other awards. theage.com.au 30 Sep 05

  • French honour for WWII digger World War II veteran Leslie Coleman today joined an elite club of Australians when he was bestowed with France's highest award, the Legion of Honour. Mr Coleman was part of the D-Day landings at Gold beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944. The then Captain Coleman was one of eight Australian Army officers sent as an observer in preparation for a possible Allied amphibious invasion of Japan. He was wounded a couple of days later at Villers Bocage, and after recuperating later fought in the invasion of Germany and in Borneo in the Pacific war in 1945. He remained in the Army until 1959, finishing as a lieutenant-colonel. Since 1998, almost 100 Australians have received the Legion of Honour as part of a French government commitment to recognise the sacrifice made by Australian troops on French soil in the two world wars. news.com.au 30 Mar 05

  • Consult before awarding medal: PM The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels helped Australia thwart the Japanese push south in 1942, but Prime Minister John Howard says he won't commit to offering them medals without consulting veterans and the military. Mr Howard acknowledged the contribution of the legendary Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, whose bush skills in their native New Guinea helped Australian soldiers defeat Japanese troops on the Kokoda Track. "I understand and thoroughly embrace the great affection in which the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels are held by many generations of Australians," Mr Howard told reporters. "In relation to matters concerning medals and awards, I always first seek the views of the ex-service community and the serving men and women of the Australian Defence Force and I will do that in relation to that matter." theaustralian.news.com.au 24 Apr 06

  		•  Pride of Australia Medal The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph are proud to announce the Pride of Australia Medal in NSW and the ACT. The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph Pride of Australia Medal will honour ordinary Australians who do extraordinary things and whose contribution to the community would otherwise probably go unrecognised.  volunteering.com.au 22 Jun 05

    • Fake war hero honoured A man who falsely claimed a distinguished military career with the Special Air Service in Vietnam was awarded an Order of Australia Medal by the Governor General last month. Government House said yesterday it was reviewing the award to retired swimming pool manager Geoff McGibbon, who marched with SAS and Vietnam veterans on at least two Anzac Days in the late 1980s. Mr McGibbon is a fellow of the Royal Lifesaving Association and his OAM was for his services to the RLSAA and sport. Contacted at his Gold Coast home, Mr McGibbon admitted he had not been with the SAS. heraldsun.news.com.au 6 Feb 05

    • Strip SAS liar of medal: MP Vietnam War veteran and Federal MP Graham Edwards has called for a review of the Order of Australia given to a bogus Special Air Service trooper. The medal, awarded to retired swimming pool manager Geoff McGibbon last month, has angered SAS veterans, even though it was awarded for his services to the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia and sport. Mr Edwards said: "This is an appalling deception. If the allegations are correct the Order of Australia should be withdrawn." In a letter to the secretary of the Order of Australia, Mr Edwards said: "I understand Mr McGibbon is accused by veterans of the Vietnam War, including members of the SAS, of falsely claiming to be a returned member of the SAS. "Impersonating a returned soldier and falsely wearing medals is a criminal offence. "Given the need to maintain the credibility of the Australian Awards system, and the damaging allegations made by the members of the SAS Association, I believe it appropriate that a review of this individual award be carried out. "Should the allegations be found to be of substance then I firmly believe this award should be withdrawn." sundaytimes.news.com.au 13 Feb 05

    • SAS soldiers honoured for Iraq Soldiers in the SAS 1 Squadron Group were awarded a unit citation for gallantry in recognition of their efforts "in support of the denial of the threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction". Two other meritorious unit citations previously awarded to the regiment for its work in East Timor and Afghanistan were also presented in the form of streamers attached to the army banner. It was the first time in 16 years that the entire regiment of almost 400 soldiers had taken part in such a parade. 
    • SAS courage revealed at awards ceremony The Age, Australia - Jun 9, 2004
    • Tributes paid to SAS soldiers ABC Online, Australia - Jun 9, 2004
    • SAS citation correct despite no WMD Seven.com.au, Australia - Jun 9, 2004
  • France honours four old diggers Australian D-day veterans gather at the Australian War Memorial at London's Hyde Park. From left, Charles Turner, Colin Wheatley, William Robertson and Dacre Smyth. They will receive the French Legion of Honour. theage.com.au 4 Jun 04
  • Veteran thanks comrades for French honour Dacre Smyth  will be presented with the gold Legion of Honour that French President Jacques Chirac will pin on his chest at a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-day landings on June 6, 1944. The former RAN commodore will be one of 10 Australian D-day veterans to receive the award. Four of them, including Mr Smyth, will travel to France for the presentations, while the others will be given their awards by the French ambassador in Australia before the end of next month. The award will be the second for Mr Smyth's family. His father, the late Sir Neville Smyth, was also awarded the French Legion of Honour, along with the Victoria Cross. theage.com.au 15 May 04

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    		 D-Day honour from French president World War II pilot Laurie Turner will be awarded France's highest honour on the 60th anniversary of D-Day. Flying a Spitfire with a British squadron mixed with French pilots, Mr Turner notched up more than 500 operational missions during his active duty. Many of his missions were bombing raids behind enemy lines and often protecting the French. During one of his many operations behind enemy lines Mr Turner's spitfire was shot down. yourguide.com/au 19 May 04
  • Marcel, last of Great War heroes to go on parade When 105-year-old Marcel Caux leads the Anzac Day parade in Sydney today, he becomes Australia's last man standing - our final World War I veteran to appear in public. Mr Caux, 105, is the public's last living link with the worst war Australia has fought, in which 61,000 of his colleagues were killed at Gallipoli and in Flanders, the Somme and Palestine. smh.co.au 25 Apr 04
  • US honours Australian soldier The United States has decorated an Australian army officer for leading coalition forces in making safe Iraqi military material during the US-led campaign there last year. Brigadier Steve Meekin received the Legion of Merit for his role in the coalition's Iraq Survey Group, which collected more than 3000 tonnes of materials."The award to Brigadier Meekin recognises the importance of his contribution as well as the professionalism and dedication of all those who serve our nation in Iraq." theaustralian.news.com.au 6 Apr 04
  • Thieves take war medals Mavis Martin with a war memento photograph of her husband and herself. Her service medals have been stolen. The satchel contained a 1940-1945 medal, Australia service medal, a war widow badge, WAAF badge, two soldier hat pins, an Armistice Day Vietnam badge and a collection spanning more than 20 years of Legacy and RSL badges. Badges issued by Repatriation are inscribed with her war service number 101254. Bayside Bulletin 13 Feb 04
  • Mates reunited in bravery When Timothy Anderson and Barry Dawson took their seats at Victoria's Government House, they soon realised they had more in common than uncommon valour. There to receive medals from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for bravery, the pair rediscovered a friendship after 15 years. Once mates at Upper Beaconsfield Primary School. Mr Anderson received a bronze medal for helping subdue Peter Knight, who murdered a guard at a fertility clinic in 2001. Sandro De Maria, who grabbed Knight's gun, was awarded a silver medal. Timothy Anderson, left, and Barry Dawson. The Age 18 Dec 03 More ABV Newsonline 17 Dec 03
  • Molly takes plunge to bravery award Seven-year-old Molly Pethick will have something exceptional to take to school for show and tell after visiting Parliament House. The young swimmer will receive a bravery award from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia for rescuing her cousin, 4, from their grandparents' pool in January. The Age 26 Nov 03

     

  • Medals for 15 firies Fifteen volunteer fire fighters with almost 600 years' collective service have been presented with the prestigious National Medal.The recipients are Alf Waterson (62 years' service), William Coman (56 years), Robert Thatcher (51 years), Rodney Collins (44 years), Colin Blacka (42 years), John Neilson (41 years), Raymond Love (38 years), Paul Coman (37 years), Richard Cochrane (34 years), Ronald Hollander (33 years), Henry Lucas (31 years), Peter Ubrihien (30 years), Ron Cole (29 years), Gordon Pauline (26 years) and Jan Smith (20 years). Narooma News 12 Nov 03

  		• Australia may send forces to troubled Solomon Islands Australia is poised to send troops or police to the Solomon Islands. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said that given the persistent lawlessness in the troubled Pacific nation, Australia would move towards "co-operative intervention" - sending forces to help local authorities restore order. The report recommends the dispatch of 150 police officers to the capital Honiara, drawn from Australia and other neighbours, including New Zealand. The Age

     

  •  Australia - 

    Stamps of War

    (Flt Sgt Middleton, VC)

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