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    Lang

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    1. The Vanuatu General Service Medal "Santo" was issued for combat operations on the island of Espiritu Santu in 1980. Upon independence the new Vanuatu government was faced with a rebellion from mainly French leaning planters and their supporters. The British and French withdrew their troops who did not participate in any operations and these were replaced by two battalions of Papua New Guinea Defence Force troops plus a PNGDF Naval and Air presence. The situation deteriorated and the rebellion became outright combat operations against the rebels by the PNGDF troops, with their Australian military advisors, the Vanuatu Para-Military police and civil police. A couple of months saw the end of operations and Santo was brought fully under government control where it resides peacefully to this day. The Vanuatu Independence Medal was issued to key personnel at the end of operations (including half a dozen Australians). The Vanuatu General Service Medal with "Santo" clasp was issued some time later to all personnel who served during the military operations on the island. For some reason the Australian government allowed Australians issued with the Independence Medal to wear those but denied approval for Australians to wear the General Service Medal despite the Medals and Honours Committee recommending acceptance. PNG and Vanuatu veterans were not denied the right to wear the medal and carry that decoration.
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