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17th Gurkha Division

New Zealand Viet Nam ServiceNew Zealand Viet Nam Service

Memorandum of UnderstandingMemorandum of Understanding Double Medalling InequityDouble Medalling Inequity

Presented by Victor Johnson

NZ Defence Force 1st Battalion RNZIR campaign veteran of: Malaya/Thai Border | Malay Peninsula | Borneo | South Viet Nam

5 June 2007


Joint Working Group ReportJoint Working Group Report Following the Health Select Committee reporting back to Following the Health Select Committee reporting back to

Parliament, a Joint Working Group [JWG] was established in Parliament, a Joint Working Group [JWG] was established in 2005, for the purpose of recommending to Government, for its 2005, for the purpose of recommending to Government, for its consideration, a package of actions and procedures to address consideration, a package of actions and procedures to address the health and well-being needs of Viet Nam Veterans and their the health and well-being needs of Viet Nam Veterans and their families and to develop a historical record of New Zealander's families and to develop a historical record of New Zealander's service in Viet Nam.service in Viet Nam.

The group report was submitted to the New Zealand government The group report was submitted to the New Zealand government in April 2006, in which in April 2006, in which Chapter 2.0 Chapter 2.0 acknowledged acknowledged the past the past andand included the topic 2.2 Medallic Recognitionincluded the topic 2.2 Medallic Recognition


Presentation PurposePresentation Purpose

The purpose of this presentation is to present that:The purpose of this presentation is to present that:

double medalling for a single campaign and,double medalling for a single campaign and, probability of a medallic inequalityprobability of a medallic inequality

is occurring with implementation of the New Zealand is occurring with implementation of the New Zealand Government’s recent proposition to amend the award Regulation Government’s recent proposition to amend the award Regulation for the New Zealand General Service Medal [Warlike] 1992, as for the New Zealand General Service Medal [Warlike] 1992, as proposed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 6 proposed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 6 December 2006. December 2006.


‘‘Distinct’ New Zealand MedalDistinct’ New Zealand MedalThe JWG report stated that within the consultation process a wide range of The JWG report stated that within the consultation process a wide range of views were heard on a “distinctly New Zealand medal” for service in Viet Nam. views were heard on a “distinctly New Zealand medal” for service in Viet Nam.

To some Viet Nam veterans a distinctly New Zealand medal for To some Viet Nam veterans a distinctly New Zealand medal for service in South Viet Nam was very important, to some it service in South Viet Nam was very important, to some it mattered less than other things, and some thought it mattered mattered less than other things, and some thought it mattered hardly at all. Those who thought a New Zealand medal important hardly at all. Those who thought a New Zealand medal important held their view with extraordinary passion. The JWG report held their view with extraordinary passion. The JWG report recommended that:recommended that:

‘‘the case for a distinct national campaign medal for active service the case for a distinct national campaign medal for active service in the Viet Nam War be accepted in principle; and that the in the Viet Nam War be accepted in principle; and that the Honours Secretariat and the NZ Defence Force should now Honours Secretariat and the NZ Defence Force should now develop a suitable proposal, in consultation with veterans’ develop a suitable proposal, in consultation with veterans’ groups.’groups.’


Medallic Recognition SubmissionsMedallic Recognition Submissions

Given that there were 287 identified Viet Nam veterans who Given that there were 287 identified Viet Nam veterans who made submissions to the Joint Working Group, analysis of made submissions to the Joint Working Group, analysis of records show that medallic recognition came from 18%, being records show that medallic recognition came from 18%, being about 52 persons of the total 3256 who served in South about 52 persons of the total 3256 who served in South Vietnam. The percentage being 0.0055%, about one half of a Vietnam. The percentage being 0.0055%, about one half of a percent of all who servedpercent of all who served

With approximately 600 deceased the percentage of the With approximately 600 deceased the percentage of the surviving 2600+ veterans wanting a distinct New Zealand medal surviving 2600+ veterans wanting a distinct New Zealand medal for Viet Nam service equates to less than 0.0069%for Viet Nam service equates to less than 0.0069%


Current NZ Vietnam MedalCurrent NZ Vietnam Medal

The Vietnam Medal was instituted in 1968, as a ‘distinct’ medal for award to New Zealanders who served in the Vietnam War.

The New Zealand and Australia governments jointly developed and instituted the Vietnam Medal, with a separate Royal Warrant for each country.

Figure 1 shows the Vietnam Medal.


Current ‘Distinct’ New Zealand Current ‘Distinct’ New Zealand Campaign Medal Campaign Medal

A current A current ‘distinctly’‘distinctly’ New Zealand medal for military campaign New Zealand medal for military campaign service is New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) service is New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) [NZGSM].[NZGSM].

The NZGSM (Warlike) medal was instituted in 1992, and issued The NZGSM (Warlike) medal was instituted in 1992, and issued in silver to recognise service in warlike operations for which no in silver to recognise service in warlike operations for which no separate New Zealand or British Commonwealth campaign separate New Zealand or British Commonwealth campaign medal was issued. medal was issued.

Figure 2 shows the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 Figure 2 shows the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike)(Warlike)


NZGSM 1992 [Warlike] ClaspsNZGSM 1992 [Warlike] Clasps

NEAR EASTNEAR EAST MALAYA 1960-64MALAYA 1960-64 VIETNAMVIETNAM KUWAITKUWAIT

By the time the NZGSM 1992 [Warlike) was replaced in 2002, four By the time the NZGSM 1992 [Warlike) was replaced in 2002, four clasps had been issued for warlike operations between 1956 and clasps had been issued for warlike operations between 1956 and 1991. The clasps are:1991. The clasps are:


NZGSM 1992 [Warlike] NZGSM 1992 [Warlike] Eligibility Exclusion Clause Eligibility Exclusion Clause

As a generic medal, the NZGSM 1992 [Warlike] was awarded As a generic medal, the NZGSM 1992 [Warlike] was awarded under Royal Warrant for service in South Viet Nam with an under Royal Warrant for service in South Viet Nam with an exclusion clause for eligibility.exclusion clause for eligibility.

The exclusion clause states that a person shall not receive The exclusion clause states that a person shall not receive the award if his or her qualifying service was completed the award if his or her qualifying service was completed wholly between 1 December 1962 and 27 January 1973 and wholly between 1 December 1962 and 27 January 1973 and was recognised by the award of the Vietnam Medal. was recognised by the award of the Vietnam Medal.


Current Viet Nam MedalsCurrent Viet Nam Medals

The current medallic recognition awarded to New Zealand The current medallic recognition awarded to New Zealand military service personnel, with appropriate qualifying service in military service personnel, with appropriate qualifying service in South Viet Nam, include the:South Viet Nam, include the:

• New Zealand Operational Service MedalNew Zealand Operational Service Medal• Vietnam MedalVietnam Medal• Republic of South Vietnam Campaign MedalRepublic of South Vietnam Campaign Medal

Figure 3 shows the current medals for service Figure 3 shows the current medals for service in Viet Namin Viet Nam


Medallic Awards for Service in Medallic Awards for Service in Malaysia 1960-1964 Malaysia 1960-1964

During the 1960’s, the New Zealand Defence Force had During the 1960’s, the New Zealand Defence Force had personnel with previous service in campaigns such as the:personnel with previous service in campaigns such as the:

Korea WarKorea War Malayan EmergencyMalayan Emergency Malaya and Thailand Border operations, against communist Malaya and Thailand Border operations, against communist

guerillasguerillas Malay Peninsula, against Indonesian regular military forcesMalay Peninsula, against Indonesian regular military forces Borneo, against Indonesian regular military forces Borneo, against Indonesian regular military forces


Malaya/Viet Nam VeteranMalaya/Viet Nam Veteran

At least 10 percent or more personnel that served in Viet Nam At least 10 percent or more personnel that served in Viet Nam were subsequently awarded the New Zealand General Service were subsequently awarded the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 [Warlike] with the clasp MALAYA 1960-64 for active Medal 1992 [Warlike] with the clasp MALAYA 1960-64 for active service on the Malay/Thailand border. service on the Malay/Thailand border.

For example, the infantry battalion that served in Malaysia from For example, the infantry battalion that served in Malaysia from 1963 to 1965 had 981 personnel. Approximately 300 of those 1963 to 1965 had 981 personnel. Approximately 300 of those personnel also served later in Viet Nam.personnel also served later in Viet Nam.


Malaya/Vietnam MedalsMalaya/Vietnam Medals

New Zealand Defence personnel who served in Malaysia from New Zealand Defence personnel who served in Malaysia from 1961 to 1965, followed by service in South Vietnam could have 1961 to 1965, followed by service in South Vietnam could have been awarded medals that include:been awarded medals that include:• The New Zealand Operational Service MedalThe New Zealand Operational Service Medal• The New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 [Warlike] with clasp MALAYA The New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 [Warlike] with clasp MALAYA

1960-641960-64• The General Service Medal 1962- with clasps MALAY PENINSULA – BORNEO, The General Service Medal 1962- with clasps MALAY PENINSULA – BORNEO, • The Vietnam Campaign MedalThe Vietnam Campaign Medal• Pingat Jasa Malaysia MedalPingat Jasa Malaysia Medal• The Republic of South Vietnam Campaign MedalThe Republic of South Vietnam Campaign Medal

Figure 4 shows the medals group for service Figure 4 shows the medals group for service in Malaya and Viet Namin Malaya and Viet Nam


Memorandum of UnderstandingMemorandum of Understanding

As a consequence to the JWG report, group representatives As a consequence to the JWG report, group representatives from two military veteran organisations negotiated a from two military veteran organisations negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Government, Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Government, which is not legally binding on any of the parties. which is not legally binding on any of the parties.

Sub-clause 5.2 addresses the subject of further medallic Sub-clause 5.2 addresses the subject of further medallic recognition for service in South Vietnam. The clause reads:recognition for service in South Vietnam. The clause reads:

‘‘The Crown will sympathetically consider medallic recognition The Crown will sympathetically consider medallic recognition for Viet Nam veterans based on the submission received from for Viet Nam veterans based on the submission received from the RSA to extend eligibility of the New Zealand General the RSA to extend eligibility of the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) with clasp “Vietnam” to those Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) with clasp “Vietnam” to those Viet Nam Veterans who are currently eligible for the Vietnam Viet Nam Veterans who are currently eligible for the Vietnam Medal 1964.Medal 1964.

Figure 5 shows the NZGSM 1992 [Warlike]Figure 5 shows the NZGSM 1992 [Warlike]


Cabinet Papers on MedalsCabinet Papers on Medals Within the Cabinet papers received following a request under Within the Cabinet papers received following a request under

the Official Information Act, the subject of double medalling the Official Information Act, the subject of double medalling probability is addressed.probability is addressed.

Reference was made to the fact that the Royal Warrant for the Reference was made to the fact that the Royal Warrant for the Vietnam Medal states:Vietnam Medal states:

“WHEREAS We have given consideration to the need for “WHEREAS We have given consideration to the need for recognition of the service of members of the New Zealand recognition of the service of members of the New Zealand Armed Forces and by duly accredited members of approved Armed Forces and by duly accredited members of approved philanthropic organisations serving with these forces in philanthropic organisations serving with these forces in assisting the forces of the Republic of Vietnam to repel assisting the forces of the Republic of Vietnam to repel aggression;..”aggression;..”

The above is deemed as the authority for the ‘distinctly’ New The above is deemed as the authority for the ‘distinctly’ New Zealand medal for service in South Vietnam, being the Vietnam Zealand medal for service in South Vietnam, being the Vietnam Medal. Medal.


NZGSM 1992 [Warlike]NZGSM 1992 [Warlike] The subject of double medalling and inequity arises in relation The subject of double medalling and inequity arises in relation

to the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 [Warlike] being to the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 [Warlike] being recommended within the Memorandum of Understanding as a recommended within the Memorandum of Understanding as a new award for service in Vietnam.new award for service in Vietnam.

Many Campaign Medals are awarded for service in very wide Many Campaign Medals are awarded for service in very wide geographical areas. Service in a specific operation within the geographical areas. Service in a specific operation within the wider campaign area is often recognised by the award of a wider campaign area is often recognised by the award of a clasp engraved with the name of the specific area or activity.clasp engraved with the name of the specific area or activity.

An example is the An example is the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (Warlike) with with four claspsfour clasps; ;

Near EastMalaya 1960-64VietnamKuwaitNear EastMalaya 1960-64VietnamKuwait..


Double Medalling InequityDouble Medalling Inequity A factor of ‘double’ medalling is the inequity for many who A factor of ‘double’ medalling is the inequity for many who

have served in campaigns where no ‘distinct’ New Zealand have served in campaigns where no ‘distinct’ New Zealand medallic recognition has been awarded. medallic recognition has been awarded.

The campaigns include the:The campaigns include the:

• Korea WarKorea War• Malayan Emergency campaignMalayan Emergency campaign• Malay Peninsula campaign Malay Peninsula campaign • Borneo campaignBorneo campaign


Another ‘Distinct’ AwardAnother ‘Distinct’ Award

In creating a ‘distinct’ New Zealand medallic award for the In creating a ‘distinct’ New Zealand medallic award for the Vietnam campaign Vietnam campaign it is most likely that another ‘distinct’ New it is most likely that another ‘distinct’ New Zealand medallic award for Vietnam will be seen as inequitable Zealand medallic award for Vietnam will be seen as inequitable by veterans of the following campaigns.by veterans of the following campaigns.

Korea WarKorea War Malayan Emergency campaignMalayan Emergency campaign Malay Peninsula campaign Malay Peninsula campaign Borneo campaignBorneo campaign

Those who served in the above campaigns were awarded Those who served in the above campaigns were awarded medals of British, Commonwealth, or United Nation origin. At medals of British, Commonwealth, or United Nation origin. At the time, the medals were considered adequate recognition for the time, the medals were considered adequate recognition for service in each of the campaigns for which no distinct New service in each of the campaigns for which no distinct New Zealand medal has ever been awarded.Zealand medal has ever been awarded.


Update on ‘Distinct’ NZ MedalUpdate on ‘Distinct’ NZ Medal Update on MoU Implementation as at 29 June 2007, item 4,

reference Section 5.2] NZ-specific Viet Nam Campaign Medal

Current Situation: Cabinet approval given

Comment: Royal assent being sought


Questions?Questions?

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