Local Veterans Call for Recognition in Malaysian War Effort
Episode 1590, Jul 07, 2022, 03:35 AM
Murraylands war veterans Les Smith and Keith Wood have been fighting for recognition for years for their presence and sacrifice in Malaysia to protect the RAAF Butterworth base during the resurgence of the communist insurgency between 1968 and 1989.
They join Jennie Lenman in studio to discuss their campaign.
The Department of Defence has declined an interview but has provided the following statement:
"On 7 April 2022, the former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Andrew Gee MP, announced the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal) will re-examine the issue of medallic recognition of Australians who served with Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia between 1970 and 1989.
"The nominal closing date for submissions to the Tribunal was 1 July 2022, however late submissions may be accepted as the inquiry progresses.
"As the Tribunal’s inquiry is ongoing Defence will not make further comment on this matter."