Bill Collidge, Ian Raymond and Riverton MLA Mike Nahan.
Camera IconBill Collidge, Ian Raymond and Riverton MLA Mike Nahan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Riverton RSL members presented with special service medals

Jessica NicoCanning Gazette

TWO members of the Riverton RSL were presented with special service medals during the club’s Anzac Dinner last week.

Riverton MLA Mike Nahan and RSL WA’s Bill Collidge presented Korean War veteran Ian Raymond with the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

In February, Governor-General Peter Cosgrove announced Korean War veterans were now approved to wear the medal.

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Dr Nahan said the announcement meant veterans were able to get the recognition they deserved.

“Petty Officer Raymond has an interesting story, having enlisted to fight in World War II under a false name at the young age of 16, as he was eager to fight for his country,” he said.

“He then fought in the Korean War, and although he was eligible to receive the Republic of Korea War Service medal, he was unable to accept it as he had already been awarded the United Nations Medal KOREA and under the then Imperial system, only one foreign medal could be accepted.

“It’s therefore special to be able to finally given Ian this medal and some further recognition of his service to Australia and its allies.”

Sylvia Carmody was also presented with a replica Australian Service Medal in recognition for her service in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II.

Mr Collidge said he felt compelled to organise the medal after noticing Ms Carmody never wore it, despite changes to eligibility in 1996 that allowed her to do so.

“It occurred to me that Sylvia was like many other veterans who didn’t know they were now eligible, and so as a proud supporter of the Sub-Branch for many years, we needed to make sure Sylvia received the acknowledgement that she deserves,” he said.

“While this is a replica, we are committed to instigating a claim for the issue of her original medal which is probably lying in a dusty drawer in Canberra along with thousands of other unclaimed medals.”

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