For once I agree with the RSL, a very rare event.
But the RSL's NSW state president, Don Rowe, told smh.com.au that no bravery medals should be awarded to the nine.``All Australians value the wonderful job that defence forces have done serving humanity but the structure of our medals at the moment do not allow for issuing of medals for such (humanitarian) service sadly,'' Mr Rowe said.
He said honouring the nine with bravery awards would be an unprecedented move.
``You could even go so far as to say the young fellow killed in the Solomon's the other day [who fell down a hole] - there's no talk about him getting a medal.
"Where do you draw the line?''
Where indeed? My uncle was killed during WW2 while serving with the RAF in Africa and never received a posthumous award. If the government introduces a medal for those killed in peacetime service, does that mean my uncle and the 100,000+ killed so far in the line of duty will get one too?
This issue would not have come about except for the Indonesian government awarding the nine service people with an award, and the Indonesian President being in Australia to place of the medals on the caskets of the deceased.
As usual, the government looks like caving in to the tabloids and talkback radio.
If the government really wants to overhaul the Australian military honour system, it could look at replacing the last relic of British imperial honours in the local military, the VC. Like knighthoods, the VC has no place in modern Australia. All military honours should be indigenous. Why not the Australian Cross of Valour (ACV) instead of the VC?
I very much agree too, mostly on the basis of, in fairness, how far do you go back to award them retrospectively. The crash was a dreadful accident but shit happens. Would people be wishing medals on these people if they'd been run over by a stray bus in the main street. I rather think not.
Actually though - re WW2, weren't all service personnel awarded medals for just taking part? My parents both had a row of medals - 1939-1945, Africa, Europe etc. none of them for particular bravery although they both went through tough times. But so did everyone then.
Tony my Father served in Africa (Egypt mostly) as a member of the RAF, posted to an Australian Squadron, 454 Coatal Command, for 6 months or so. It would be the strangest coincidence if he'd crossed paths with your uncle.
You're correct, he did get service medals. But nothing specifically because he was killed in action.
As regards to his service record, I'll email you with some details. It's unlikely you're father and he crossed paths, but you never know.
Totally agree -
As a daughter of one killed in Vietnam, and an army nurse, and as a wife of a Vietnam veteran - a line must be drawn -
Men today from the 50's, 60's and 70's are still not recognised for their services because any awards were from other countries (ie SVn USA) and they continue to fight for some compensation from our own government in respect to their military service -
A peace keeping/UN recognition would be suitable but any would open up a can of worms if they stike up just for this incident - The families of those lost with the crash of the Black Hawk in Qld I'm sure would say plenty -
'Sides that - one thing to remember is that with the exception of the 2 survivors, any medals awarded would be worn by Next of Kin and therefore worn on the right hand side - denoting that they are not official Australian military medal issue; or in respect they're worn by someone other than those who earnt it
Oh Dear - I've just seen the Queen has approved the awarding of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal to the crash victims. Nice for their families though.
Another nauseating photo opportunity for our beloved PM coming up.
I would so love to be in the position to tell him that he is not welcome at my significant event but since it would necessitate some tragedy or death of aged veteran perhaps I'll be careful what I wish for!