THEY made a pledge to protect Australia and its citizens and did so with honour and dignity, earning themselves the Australian Defence Medal and a place in our history books.
In a special presentation at Windsor RSL on Monday, nine former members of the Australian Defence Force were awarded the ADM in recognition of their service in the armed forces.
McGraths Hill resident Leslie Graham, Pitt Town’s Gerald Upsdell and Joseph Johns from Richmond flew the flag for the Hawkesbury, and were joined by Jason Henderson and Grant Hilford from Quakers Hill, Stanhope’s Anthony Janicska, Brendan McCreanor from Kings Park, Lisa Marie Nicolau, and Margaret White from Kellville Ridge in receiving the medal.
Mr Upsdell, 71, enlisted in the army in 1964 and served as a military policeman for four years in Melbourne in the training program for Vietnam soldiers, before finishing his service in 1968.
“It’s a terrific honour to be awarded this medal, because of what it stands for,” said Mr Upsdell, who still volunteers his time to help others in his local fire brigade.
“It covers a lot of history and acknowledges my part in that history.”
Member for Greenway Louise Markus presented each of the nine men and women with their medals, and praised their efforts in serving their country.
“Australia has a long tradition of honouring the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women,” she said.
“We are here today to recognise these Australian Defence Force personnel who have given so much to protect the Australian way of life in times of conflict and helped build our community in times of peace. We sincerely thank you for your contribution.”
The Australian Defence Force medal was established in 2006 to recognise ADF regular and reserve personnel who have served for four years, or their initial enlistment period, whichever is the lesser, since World War II.
The circular medal is made of cupro-nickel and displays the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with a sprig of wattle, with the top outer edge inscribed with the words ‘The Australian Defence Force Medal’.
More than one million Australians are eligible for the ADM, with the criterion recognising national servicemen and those who could not serve the four year-qualifying period because of the ADF’s workplace and enlistment policies at the time.
Photo caption: Bill Hill, John Paddy, Margaret White, Lieutenant Colonel James Sowerby, Grant Hilford, Anthony Janicska, Joseph Johns, Jason Henderson, Louise Markus, Warrant Officer Simon Hall Brendan McCreanor, Gerald Upsdell, Lise-Marie Nicolaou and Leslie Graham.