Hi Glen, thought 87 members may be interested in the following…..J
Vietnam War commemorative medallion and certificate
To acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will produce a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration.
The medallion and certificate will be made available to every living veteran, widows of veterans and other family members of veterans of the Vietnam War. Please note that only one medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. While Australia can never repay the debt we owe to the 60,000 who served in Vietnam, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way to honour their service and to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home.
The obverse design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top and “Australia remembers’ at the bottom. The medallion reverse design will feature words of thanks at the bottom with the years 1962-73 inscribed at the top to represent the years in which Australia was involved in the Vietnam War. The medallion also features a UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter, a depiction of HMAS Sydney (III) “Vung Tau Ferry” and an Australian solider holding an SLR.
The medallion will be presented in a display case and will include a card that explains the design and contains a brief expression of thanks.
The design of the commemorative certificate will complement the medallion. The design includes the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, ‘Australia Remembers’ wording and includes the signature of both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
The certificate will be contained within its own folder that will allow for independent display, framing and mounting.
Applications can be made online at National Mail & Marketing through the button below:
If you are having difficulties with your application and require assistance please phone 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) between 9am and 5pm AEST Monday to Friday and when prompted say the word ‘medallions’.
Please note: the final medallion to be struck may vary in size, scale and design from this image.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for a medallion?
Any veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Additionally, a widow or a family member of a veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Although the family member doesn’t need to be the immediate family of the deceased veteran it should be assumed that the immediate family members would have precedence.
How many medallions are available per veteran?
Only one medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. It’s advisable that an agreement is made within the family of a deceased veteran as to who will apply for the medallion and certificate. The registration system prevents multiple people applying on behalf of the same veteran.
How much does the medallion cost?
Nothing, the medallion is free for any veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Additionally, a widow or a family member of a veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Although the family member doesn’t need to be the immediate family of the deceased veteran it should be assumed that the immediate family members would have precedence.
Are additional certificates available for family members?
Only one physical copy of the certificate will be made available and will accompany the medallion. Should any additional family members wish to obtain a PDF version of the certificate, this is available through the normal application process. You will notice that the option to receive the medallion is not available if someone has already applied.
How can I reprint the certificate?
A copy of the certificate can be downloaded from National Mailing and Marketing webpage
Log into account
Enter Veterans service number and name
Select: Verify
Yes – if details are correct
Type in text – name to appear on certificate
Select: Proof
A copy of the certificate will open in a separate box
Save (Option to save is 3 dots beside the cog)
Print
How long will it take to receive my medallion and certificate?
Initially, the medallions and certificates are expected to be distributed in June for those who have applied prior to or in June. Any subsequent applications are expected to be distributed within three weeks of submitting an application.
Can I have the medallion and certificate sent to an overseas address?
Yes. Delivery times may be delayed if the medallion and certificate are sent overseas.
Is there a closing date for ordering a medallion and certificate?
At this stage applications are expected to remain open for the foreseeable future.
How do I verify if a veteran served in the Vietnam War?
If you are unsure if a veteran served in Vietnam and is eligible for a medallion and certificate you can check the DVA Nominal Roll. If you believe a name is missing from the Nominal Roll please contact the Department via email at commemorations@dva.gov.au.
Are there other activities planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War?
A series of events will be undertaken throughout the year, culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2023, at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra. More information can be found here.
What are the operating hours of the commemoration team and how can I send an enquiry after hours?
The commemorations team can be contacted from 9am until 5pm AEST Monday to Friday and when prompted say the word ‘medallions’.
Recently people may have noticed a bright glare on Brisbane’ skyline, which many took to be a factory fire raging out of control, but in actual fact was nothing so sinister, merely 100 candles all burning on one little cake!
“Switched on ” Wally Edward’s mother in law, Lorna ventured north to Brisbane to be with family members to celebrate her 100th birthday recently, and from all reports it was a great party with a number of generations attending.
Many happy returns Lorna from all 87 members and congratulations on the great achievement.
The enclosed shot shows (L-R) Shelley Davis, (Sandra’s daughter), Lorna, Wally and Sandra.
I spent a couple of hours with Wally and Sandra to day, he was operated on yesterday ( Wednesday) he is in good spirits and on his feet and will be discharged to morrow.
Patsy and I called in later in that same afternoon and he was looking more like the old Wally we all know. He has undergone “deep brain surgery” under the capable hands of Dr Sarah Olsen (same lass who looked after Patsy a while ago) and hopefully will soon be back to normal via modern technology and a couple of inserted metal contacts that he can control remotely. Absolutely amazing space age stuff!!
4 days after Wally’s 77th birthday. Ask Wally what it sounds like to have your head drilled open and you are awake to hear it. At the Moment Wally and Sandra are staying in Brisbane and he expects to have all the electrics switched on and operating by the start of next month.
Wally Edwards and Sandra are still living in Mount Morgan, and bothof them have problems. Sandra is in constant pain with hip problems and Wally has had Parkinsons now for a number of years.
Wally is coming down to Brisbane, to the Salmon building in the Mater Hospital to undergo deep vein surgery on the 18th January, in an attempt to alleviate some of his condition.
Wally tells me that he will possibly be in for about a week or so, and I am sure that any visits after the 18th would be greatly appreciated.
Delete the last phone number we gave you to contact Kingy. Poor old Pom Adcock has been trying to contact BFK and found out that that phone number is incorrect He then obtained another phone number which he duly tried and ended up having a delightful conversation with an absolute stranger. He obtained another number and got a fax machine, but after much perseverance he ascertained that Kingy is situated at “Torbay” Nursing Home and the phone number is 07 4125 0800. Ask for John and they should put you through.
How come a full year only takes a few months to pass nowadays, or is it just me. It seems like only a couple of months ago when we all wished each other to have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and here it is already once again.
To Each and Every one of you and your families, please accept our good wishes for this festive season and we look forward to seeing you in November at Seymour, if not before. Glen and Patsy Hutley
From Pom and Sue Adcock:
Wishing all members of 87 a merry Xmas and a safe and happy new year. From Pom & Sue
Poor old Kingy has been having a bit or a rough trot for a while now and with this last episode, with him taking a bad fall and breaking his femur plus a few ribs, on top of a previous stroke, he has been allocated a space in a care facility as from Tuesday 29 Nov. 2022. This comes as a great relief for Glennys, who is really in no condition herself to offer the care that John requires.
He is not in a condition to make any phone calls BUT should anyone wish to ring him and brighten up his day I am sure he would be pleased to receive any calls.
His phone number is direct to his room; 07 4125 0886
87transportplatoon 