JPL

Found this interesting news article: Tree Royal New Zealand Navy officers have been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal, the first time it has been given to any New Zealand Defence Force personnel. Leading Hand hydrographic survey technician Matthew Barber earned the medal for his work aboard the Australian frigate HMAS Melbourne, patrolling for pirates in the Gulf of Aden last year. LH Barber (25) and two other RNZN personnel worked to support Combined Maritime Force operations in the Arabian Sea, and received the International Coalition Against Terrorism clasp with the medal. Petty Officer seaman combat specialist Josh Tatana and Able Seaman combat specialist Dylan Thomas were the other recipients. R-adm Steer said the medals recognised the significant and long-standing defence relationship between New Zealand and Australia. ''Our navy people regularly work closely with the services of other countries. I am proud of these sailors and their efforts serving alongside their Australian shipmates,'' R-adm Steer said. ''The opportunity to wear an Australian medal offers a unique means of recognising their service.'' Capt Moles said the offer of the medal and clasp to the three sailors was an acknowledgment by the Australian Government of the high value placed on the contribution made by New Zealanders to Australian defence operations. Read the complete article: http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/281283/australian-medal-navy-officers Jean-Ppaul

Antonio/Megan, Found a news article on the awarding of a few Fiji awards, one being the Bravery Medal which has a picture of the recipient wearing the medal. A 13 year old boy of Labasa Sangam Primary School received bravery award from the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau after he saved his family from a house fire last year. Semi Bale Mara recalls it was early in the morning in December when he woke up after he felt heat on his blanket and realized that his grandfather’s home in Tuatua Labasa was on fire. Mara said he quickly got up and struggled through the house to wake up and get his family members out of the house which was later destroyed by the fire. Other award recipients included Colonel Paul Manueli for the Companion Order of Fiji for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Fiji. Officer of the Order of Fiji recipients included Physiotherapist Cathy Wong, former Police Commissioner Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua and Apakuki Kurusiga for distinguished service of a high degree to Fiji and distinguished service in a responsible position. The Civil Service Medals were awarded to Permanent Secretary for the Public Service Commission Parmesh Chand, Finance Permanent Secretary Filimoni Waqabaca, Works and Transport Permanent Secretary Francis Kean, Immigration Department Director Nemani Vuniwaqa, itaukei Affairs Permanent Secretary Savenaca Kaunisela and Prisons Commissioner Ifereimi Vasu for outstanding merit in the civil service. Here is the link to the complete story: http://www.fijivillage.com/?mod=story&id=01111307568475b05573e45e30025b Jean-Paul

The new Defence Meritorious Service Medal will recognise outstanding service across the whole of the New Zealand Defence Force. It can be awarded to all ranks of the NZ Defence Force, Regular and Reserve Forces and civilians, regardless of the recipient’s rank, grade, Service affiliation, or length of service. The Medal can also be awarded posthumously. The DMSM recognises the changing environment that Defence Force personnel work in now and will in the future. It fills a significant gap that has existed for some time in the range of honours and awards available to the NZ Defence Force. In the hierarchy of awards for distinguished and meritorious service, the DMSM comes after the New Zealand Order of Merit and Distinguished Service Decoration and before the Chief of Defence Force and Service Chief’s Commendations. The DMSM replaces the New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) but the MSM continues to be officially recognised and can still be worn by recipients. Read the article: http://defensenews.asia/Home/new-medals-for-newzeland-defense/ Jean-Paul

His Majesty the King has awarded royal decorations to players and officials of the Thai women's volleyball team who won the Asian championship last month. The players who receive the Commander (Third Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant are Wanna Buakaew, Pleumjit Thinkaow, Amporn Yapha, Nootsara Tomkom, Wilavan Apinyapong, Onuma Sittirak, Mullika Kanthong, Thapapaipan Chaisri, Piyanut Paennoy, Thatdao Nuekjang, Pornphan Kernprat and Atcharaporn Kongyot. The officials who are awarded the same class of royal decorations are coach Kiattipong Radchatakriangkrai, Nattaphon Srisamutnak and Danai Sriwatcharamethakul. Pisit Nathee receives the Commander (Third Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, Krittapol Pithayachai the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, and Thipayarat Kaewsai the Companion (Fourth Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant. Here is the link to the story: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/374149/royal-decorations-for-volleyball-team Jean-Paul

Hi Mervyn, From the story, it appears that Fray Bentos was the name of the tank. Just like soldiers to use such a name for a tank. Maybe the corn beef tin looked like a tank.. Yes, quite a story of bravery. Jean-Ppaul

Hi Jock, You are correct, the citation is missing. I found this news item which contains not only details of what happened but a video from a helmet cam taking during the action. http://wtkr.com/2013/09/19/army-captain-to-receive-medal-of-honor-for-bravery-in-afghanistan-ambush/ As for taking so long, another article states that his nomination was "lost"... Meyer and two other Marines have been honored for their valor during the operation, but Swenson – who was first nominated for the Medal of Honor in 2009 – had not received any award for his actions. Many believed the delay was an effort to kill the nomination after Swenson was publicly critical of the command’s decisions during the battle. In 2011, after officials said the original nomination had been lost, Marine Gen. John Allen, then the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, resubmitted the paperwork. Read the article: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/capt-william-swenson-former-soldier-to-receive-medal-of-honor-1.241604 Jean-Paul

Greg Matters and Ryan Seguin met in battle school in 1995, both fresh-faced young soldiers keen to serve their country. Together they learned the military trade, grew up, became best friends. Matters stood beside Seguin at his wedding as his best man, and he was the godfather of Seguin's children. Warrant Officer Seguin handed Memorial Cross medals to the mother and sister of his comrade-in-arms, who died in a confrontation with RCMP on his rural property near Prince George a year ago. Matters was in treatment at the time for post-traumatic stress disorder, and his death focused attention on the struggles of current and former soldiers who have served in conflict zones overseas. Seguin said he believes Matters really began to struggle after a back injury he suffered in Bosnia prevented him from training to take part in Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan. "I never realized it was post-traumatic stress," Seguin said. "I think that's when he started having the symptoms, but all I could figure at the time was that, I just thought he was embarrassed and ashamed that he wasn't able to do the training with us and go to Afghanistan with us." Matters served in the Canadian Forces for 15 years. The Memorial Cross is awarded for soldiers whose deaths are linked to their military service, and Matters's sister, Tracey Matters, said the medal is an acknowledgment to the family that PTSD was a major contributing factor in her brother's death. "We believe it is time for Canada to recognize its 'Unknown Fallen' - the men and women who are injured physically and psychologically by military service, and who, when they are discharged, continue to struggle and suffer," Tracey Matters said. She said her brother was one of those soldiers. "Many of these individuals die alone and their death is never recognized as being due to their military service. " B.C.'s Independent Investigations Office cleared the RCMP of wrongdoing in the shooting, but the Matters family said many questions remain. Read the complete news article: http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Medal+soldier+killed+RCMP/8961514/story.html Jean-Paul

On October 15, 2013, President Barack Obama will award William Swenson, a former Army Captain, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Capt. Swenson will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as an Embedded Trainer and Mentor of the Afghan National Security Forces with Afghan Border Police Mentor Team, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, during combat operations in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on September 8, 2009. Capt. Swenson will be the sixth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. His military decorations include: Bronze Star Medal with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with One Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist. Read more: http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2013/09/president-obama-to-award-medal-of-honor/ Jean-Paul

Just came across this extremely interesting news article: Trapped in their overturned tank, just metres from the German trenches, Captain Donald Richardson and his crew already faced an impossible situation. But, after three days of attack from their enemies, the brave men in charge of the Mark IV tank were plunged into even greater danger when their British allies started bombarding them as well, to destroy the tank before the Germans could get it. Astonishingly, though, all but one of the soldiers survived the impossible odds, armed with just pistols and a single rifle, managing to escape the death trap to become the First World War's most decorated tank crew. 'Captain Richardson and Second Lieutenant Hill led a charge of eight tanks and theirs was the only one that survived attack by German artillery. 'It is astonishing that they managed to survive the initial attack, let alone 72 hours of attacks from German troops, especially when you consider that they only had basic weapons to defend themselves. 'The tank crew became the most decorated of the whole First World War, and it would seem, rightly so. The Fray Bentos crew was awarded two Military Crosses, two Distinguished Conduct Medals, and four Military Medals – the most awarded to one tank crew during any action of the war. Captain Richardson and Second Lieutenant George Hill were both awarded the Military Cross for their role in leading the defence of the tank and for bringing most of their crew back safely. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2445626/Incredible-bravery-WWI-tank-crew-survived-72-hours-bombarded-Germans-side.html#ixzz2gwdJHCxT Jean-Paul

Found this interesting article: Four police officers who risked their lives to save victims of the Westgate mall siege in Nairobi will receive special recognition and promotions, a spokesman for Kenya's police chief. The four officers are Stephen Lelei, a local police chief who sustained a gunshot wound to his leg while fighting off the attackers, Mwinyi's driver Tawfiq Baya, Benjamin Chemjor and Aden Iya. The four will be promoted and will receive a medal from Kimaiyo. I wonder what medal will be awarded? Read the complete article: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/africa/Kenya-to-honour-police-bravery-in-Westgate-siege/-/1066/2016608/-/fx7ogjz/-/index.html Jean-Paul

Here is the link to the latest list of awardees: http://carnegiehero.org/awardees/ Jean-Paul

The latest list can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/operational-honours-and-awards-list-4-october-2013 I've noted a Bar to an MC. Jean-Paul

The other option would of been to use the British version... Best of the worst??? Here is an image: http://www.epicmilitaria.com/shopimages/products/thumbnails/2339web.JPG Jean-Paul

Here is the link to the Veteran's Affair Bomber Command Bar page which includes a image of the bar and criteria, which also includes ground crew: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/collections/cmdp/mainmenu/group04/cvsmbcb Jean-Paul

Only a tiny group of people deal with the process that results in the Medal of Honor. Its work is shrouded in secrecy - even modern conveniences such as faxes and emails are shunned in favor of hand-carried files. Those involved can't talk about "The Medal" until the president awards it. "Those particular files are particularly close-hold. They are only worked and touched by a small group of people we consider to be trusted agents," said Lt. Col. Colleen Carr, who oversees the awards branch at the Army's Human Resources Center in Fort Knox, Ky. The process starts with a soldier on the battlefield doing something extraordinary. To earn the award, the soldier must have "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty," according to federal law. But if a soldier does all that and nobody sees it - no medal. The process requires documentation, witnesses, sworn statements. That paperwork goes to the Fort Knox team. "There have been packages with as little as 50 pages of information and as many as 1,000 pages," Carr said. The same questions are asked again and again to ensure that the recipient of the medal is a bona fide hero. At any step, a leader can stop the process. Carr said few of those nominated wind up wearing the blue ribbon and golden star. The office won't release statistics. "The Medal of Honor is the one military award where the only approval authority is the president of the United States," Carr explained. "He and only he is the person who makes the decision." The Medal of Honor is different from other military awards in many respects. It's the only American military decoration that comes with money. Recipients are entitled to a lifetime pension - currently $1,237 per month - plus an allowance to buy uniforms. They can also fly on military aircraft, use military facilities and are guaranteed invitations to presidential inauguration events. And they get something to pass on: Children of Medal of Honor recipients are entitled to attend any federal military academy if they meet admission requirements. Those aren't giveaways. Soldiers earn it the hard way. Carr said it can be tough to read Medal of Honor nominations, especially for soldiers who died on the battlefield. "It's inspiring," she said. "Truly awe-inspiring." And rare. Read the complete news article: http://gazette.com/nominations-decisions-on-medal-of-honor-shrouded-in-secrecy/article/1505295 Jean-Paul

Marines who helped residents of New York and New Jersey dig out from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Sandy last fall may be eligible for a Humanitarian Service Medal, according to the Defense Department. The super storm pummeled the region Oct. 29-30, causing severe flooding that destroyed homes and left millions without electricity for weeks. It is blamed for causing nearly 200 deaths in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Commanding officers will determine Marines’ eligibility for the medal, said Navy Lt. Courtney Hillson, a spokeswoman at the Pentagon. To be eligible, the following criteria must be met: ■ Marines had to be deployed to New York or New Jersey between Oct. 29 and Nov. 25. ■ The deployment had to be related to Hurricane Sandy. ■ Marines had to be performing humanitarian assistance while there. ■ Reservists must have been on active-duty status. A future administrative message will provide further guidance. Read the complete article: http://www.navytimes.com/article/20130824/NEWS05/308240007/Hurricane-relief-mission-rates-humanitarian-medal Jean-Paul

Thanks Hugh for the image of this nice looking Order. Jean-Paul

This news item should generate a lot of comments: Capt. Joshua Waddell was exonerated by the Marine Corps this week, ending a two-year fight to restore his honor after a career-crushing demotion in 2011, when he ordered snipers in Afghanistan to disable a tractor being used to help a wounded enemy bomb maker escape. Waddell, who was awarded the Bronze Star on his first tour of duty, found himself struggling to keep his career going following his second deployment in Afghanistan, when he was stripped of his command and denied promotions because teenage civilians were later discovered to have been among those helping the bomb maker. Read the complete article and comments: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/08/19/nr-marine-exonerated-for-shooting-at-enemy/ Jean-Paul

A chance garage sale purchase has brought together two of the four awards made posthumously to Victoria Cross recipient and Battle of Lone Pine hero Corporal Alexander Stewart Burton at the Australian War Memorial. John Baker, who stumbled across Cpl Burton's Victory Medal while browsing at a garage sale, joined the VC winner's descendants in Canberra to present the bronze and copper disc to AWM director Brendan Nelson. Cpl Burton's VC has been a part of the collection for many years. The whereabouts of his two other medals, a 1914-1915 Star and British War Medal are still unknown. Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/heros-medal-returns-to-pride-of-place-after-garage-sale-discovery-20130823-2shm4.html#ixzz2ctJkcgLZ Jean-Paul

Thailand's Permanent Secretary of Defence General Tanongsak Apirakyotin presented the award to Mr Chiang on behalf of the King of Thailand at the Thai Ministry of Defence. Mr Chiang is on an official visit to Thailand from 22 to 25 August. The Thai royal decoration "Knight Grand Cross (first Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant" was conferred on Mr Chiang in recognition of his valuable contribution to the cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. Singapore's Defence Ministry said the presentation of the award underscores the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. To view picture a read the complete article: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-s-permanent/788092.html Jean-Paul

Mervyn, Thanks for this information. Do you know if this order existed prior to 1994 or is this a relatively new Order? As well, does this mean that the medals of the Venda Defence Force no longer exist sine 1994? Here is a link to the VDF medals: http://www.army.mil.za/aboutus/uniform/formerforcesmedals/venda.htm Jean-Paul

Here is an interesting article on the awarding of medals. In this case, India: A fortnight ago, the government issued a revised format for aspirants to apply for Padma awards, the highest state conferred civilian decoration. In the last five years, the government has conferred over 600 awards – 38 Padma Vibhushan, 155 Padma Bhushan and 416 Padma Shri -- on people who could be put in three categories - well-known, not so well-known and unknown. Given the snob value of perceived national (political) recognition through Padma awards, there has been a mad scramble for it in the past. It will be no different for 2014, the application deadline for which is October 15. Every year, a flood of applications deluge a high-level awards committee. Applicants employ the art of verbose eulogy about their achievements. The committee, in turn, waddles through reams of paper before shortlisting the winners, announced on the eve of Republic Day every year. To limit the verbal diarrhoea, the home ministry this year has asked aspirants not to exceed 800 words to detail their achievements. How are the awardees selected and do they really deserve the nation's highest civilian recognition? Is it just political expediency, appeasement, placation or quid pro quo? Are these akin to titles like Rai Saheb or Rai Bahadur conferred by the colonial masters on their most loyal subjects? Reflection of these questions can be seen in the Supreme Court's 1995 judgment in Balaji Raghavan and S P Anand vs Union of India. It had said, "During the British occupation, India has had a spate of title hunters who brought degradation and much harm to healthy public life. The title hunters have always been considered a menace to the safe growth of a society. "Though the Padma awards are not titles but in case these awards are given at the whims of the authorities -- without there being proper criteria and method of selection -- they are bound to do more harm to the society than the title-seekers did during the British regime." Many are genuine achievers and conferment of the awards on them remains beyond the realm of question. But several awardees raise more than a question about their credentials. Disgusted over indiscriminate conferment of Padma awards, Acharya J B Kriplani had in 1969 moved 'The Conferment of Decorations on Persons (Abolition) Bill' in Parliament. N K P Salve, despite agreeing with Kriplani's concern, had opposed the bill. Salve had said, "I am aware that the decorations have been bestowed indiscriminately on businessmen and others. In fact, one of my suggestions is that any decoration awarded to any person who is found guilty of any 'commercial offence' should be withdrawn. We should be extremely, strict about the awarding of decorations. "In fact, it is within my knowledge that some of them have put their decorations to commercial exploitation. In fact, a certain managing director of a company wrote a letter to me some time ago. On his letterhead was written 'Ex-Rai Bahadur, Padma Vibhushan' so and so." The Supreme Court in its 1995 judgment disagreed with the petitioners that these awards were akin to titles, which stood abolished by Article 18 of the Constitution. Amicus curiae Santosh Hegde, who later became a judge of the Supreme Court, argued that the Constitution did not envisage state recognition of meritorious services through conferment of awards. But he suggested that to avoid criticism of creating a separate class of awardees, they must not use the awards as either a prefix or suffix to their names. The court agreed with Hegde's suggestion but was not averse to conferment of the awards. "The theory of equality does not mandate that merit should not be recognized. In this context, we may refer to the various clauses of Article 51A and specifically clause (j) which exhorts every citizen 'to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement'. It is, therefore, necessary that there should be a system of awards and decorations to recognize excellence in the performance of these duties," the court had said. Should there be a premium put on the awards by limiting the numbers of awardees to a deserving few rather than over a 100 every year? Should the government also put out the reasons why some known performers were rejected or not considered for these awards? The court had answered this too. "There are no limitations prescribed for the maximum number of awards that can be granted in a given year or the maximum number that is permissible in each category. The Prime Minister's Committee on Awards & Honours, 1948 had recommended certain limitations in terms of numbers but these have not been incorporated in the extant guidelines," it had said. While strongly advocating a transparent selection process, the court had said, "We may only say that the committee may keep in view our anxiety that the number of awards should not be so large as to dilute their value. We may point out that in some countries, including US, the total number of awards to be given is restricted." Let us hope the high-level committee does not disappoint the Supreme Court for the first time in two decades when it shortlists the winners for 2014. Read the article: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Will-government-restrict-number-of-Padma-awards/articleshow/21768901.cms Jean-Paul

Peter, I also did a quick search but without any success. Possibly, this is a new award for Venda... I did find lots of information on the Venda Defence Force, but nothing regarding civilian honours and awards. In any case, we now have the colours of the ribbon for this award. Unfortunately, the quality of the image of the presentation does not allow us to see the actual design of the award. Jean-Paul

Calls have been made for a memorial to be erected in war hero Frederick Barter's home town as the Great War centenary approaches. At just 5ft 6ins, unassuming Frederick Barter was at first rejected by the army because of his slight build. But by the end of World War One the soldier was famed as one of Britain’s most fearsome warriors – and among one of the first in the campaign to receive the Victoria Cross. Sergeant Major Barter was given the award after he and eight volunteers stormed through the trenches in the Battle of Festubert hurling grenades at any Germans they came across. They captured 105 men and 500 of the 4,000 yards won in the battle before its end on May 24. Writer Alister Williams visited the site of the action as he was researching his book Heart of a Dragon – The VCs of Wales and the Welsh Regiments. “Barter himself discovered and cut 11 mine leads, situated about 20 yards apart, which were intended to blow up the trench should it fall into British hands,” he said. On June 29 the award of a VC to Barter was announced in the London Gazette. His citation credited him with “most conspicuous bravery.” On July 2 he returned to Cardiff to a hero’s welcome. Hundreds lined the streets to see him. He received his VC from King George V on July 12, 1915. While back in Britain he was made a second lieutenant. He was a captain by the end of the war. Frederick also received the Military Cross, the 1914 Star, the British War Medal, the Victory Medal, Coronation medals in 1937 and 1953 and the Russian Order of St George medal. Beryl has never seen his VC. It was “kept safe somewhere” when she was a child. “I would love to see the medal, to think that it was given to him and pinned onto him.” Now it is held at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, in Caernarfon Castle. While streets have been named after him in Wrexham – where the regiment was based – there is nothing in his home town of Cardiff to commemorate him. “What we have got to do is put up a fitting memorial for the lives that were lost, and for the men that had a VC given them, in Cardiff itself,” Beryl said. The call comes as next year’s WW1 centenary approaches. Cardiff council were unable to say whether a memorial would be possible, though an insider at the authority called him “deserving”. Alister said: “The man who was feted as Cardiff’s first Victoria Cross recipient of the Great War is now all but forgotten in the city of his birth.” To see an image of Barter and to read the complete story: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/incredible-story-welsh-victoria-cross-5692929 Jean-Paul

Peter, Thank you for the added and informative information on this medal and the man behind the medal. It's a shame that his medals have been separated. Let's hope that one day they will be reunited. Jean-Paul