The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

006/05
Sunday, 13 February 2005

Medal Continues to Recognise National Service

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly has urged former National Servicemen to apply for the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal.

"More than 320 000 former National Servicemen were identified as eligible at the time of the medal's creation in 2001. However, only 120 000 have come forward to date to claim their entitlement," Mrs Kelly said.

Mrs Kelly made the call ahead of delivering an address and laying a wreath at the National Servicemen's Association remembrance ceremony at the Martin Place Cenotaph, Sydney, today (see below for details).

Between 1951 - 1959 more than 227 000 young Australians undertook a period of full-time and part-time service under the national service scheme.

From January 1965 through until December 1972, a further 63 000 national servicemen gave between 18 months and two years of full time service. In addition more than 30 000 Australians elected to complete their national service obligation as members of the Citizens Military Force under the 1965 - 1972 national service scheme. As well as their military duties at home, many National Servicemen served overseas in international conflicts during the 1960s.

"National servicemen served in Malaysia and Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation, and some 17 400 served with distinction in South Vietnam," Mrs Kelly said.

Those who believe they are eligible should fill out an application form, available through State branches of the National Serviceman's Association and the Returned and Services League of Australia, electoral offices of MP's and Senators, or through the Defence Honours and Awards website at: www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/honours_awards/ or toll free on 1800 111 321.