I was scrolling through a few websites seeking more information regarding my campaign, I started way back in 1996, to have some 2500 national servicemen Vietnam veterans from around the nation fully recognised for their valiant and lawful service when I happened on a Department of Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (DHAAT) recommendation made in July 2022.
The recommendation applies to all Vietnam veterans – national servicemen (conscripts) and regular (enlisted) ADF.
“In July 2022 the Tribunal decided to set aside a decision of Defence with regard to a Vietnam veteran regarding the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM).
The Minister did not agree to the Tribunal’s recommendation, however Defence implemented advice provided to the Tribunal by the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) in regard to the RVCM eligibility criteria and how they apply to servicemen wounded-in-action during their service in Vietnam. AGS advised that “the relevant eligibility criterion which should be applied by Australian decision-makers when assessing whether an ADF member qualifies for the RVCM in circumstances where they sustained a casualty when taking part in operations against the enemy” is the Vietnamese Directives.
In accordance with AGS advice regarding the application of the Vietnamese Directives, psychological injuries are taken into account if they were incurred as a result of enemy action, however, the requirement for psychological injuries to be noted on the member’s records at the time of the Vietnam War is not applied. Further, as the evacuation clause is not included in Article 2 of the Vietnamese Directive, evacuation is also not taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for the award.”
I wrote to the responsible Minister several times asking for a media release. Unfortunately that did not eventuate. I wanted hundreds of Vietnam veterans, and the families of those since deceased, to be made aware of the possibility that the fresh interpretation could mean that they can now apply and in other cases, reapply. I wrote to several ex-servicemen’s organisations to have my article inserted in their newsletters and I wrote on several Facebook sites of many service associations. Over the last few months I constructed a list of more than 200 Vietnam veterans who contacted me from all States and Territories of Australia. So far I have helped 30 veterans receive the RVCM in the mail with a further 80 pending approvals. I can’t describe the delightful emails and telephone calls thanking me that finally after waiting patiently for up to 55 years they have been fully recognised by their government. Widows have told me that the children and grandchildren can now march proudly on Anzac Day in memory of their ‘hero.’
I recently attended the funerals of two local Vietnam veterans. Both were never awarded the RVCM and I am currently working with their widows and families to rectify this injustice. Just shameful!
However, whilst all this is happening the work continues in earnest on behalf of the thousands of other Vietnam veterans. Of course, if I am successful then ex regular personnel can join the national servicemen to receive the RVCM. The majority are nearing 80 years of age and many are sick whilst others are in nursing homes. It’s now time to right this wrong in the name of fairness, justice and equity.
Richard Barry OAM
Narrabri
Royal Australian Navy personal were awarded the RVCM if a shot was fired on their ships. They never set foot on Vietnam soil. Infantry soldiers were shot at and because they were not in country for 181 days were refused the issue of the RVCM. That is discrimination in my opinion. We are entitled to be eligible for the Campaign Medal.