NZDF personnel to be recognised for service in Vietnam

Twenty six New Zealand Defence Force personnel who served in Vietnam were recognised for their service at a ceremony at Defence House in Wellington yesterday.

The 26 were presented with the New Zealand General Service Medal (NZGSM) 1992 (Warlike) with clasp ‘Vietnam’ by the Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner and the Chief of Air Force Air-Vice Marshal Graham Lintott.

The 26 are a mixture of current New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, and former servicemen and foreign affairs staff who are now civilian employees within the New Zealand Defence Force.

More than 3000 New Zealand Vietnam Veterans are eligible for the NZGM with clasp ‘Vietnam’. The medal and clasp will also be available to the surviving spouse or family of eligible Vietnam veterans who are deceased.

Some of the Vietnam veterans eligible for the NZGSM with clasp ‘Vietnam’ have chosen to be presented with it during Tribute08: A Vietnam Commemoration to be held on Queen’s Birthday Weekend in Wellington.

Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force is now accepting applications from Vietnam veterans. Eligible persons should complete an official application form, and forward the form to: The Medals Office, Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt.