Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 26, 2009 21:41:16 GMT 12
NZ veteran to receive US gallantry award
A retired New Zealand army colonel is to finally receive an award physically he was granted years ago for gallantry in the Vietnam War.
Brian Chippindale would tonight be presented the United States Bronze Star with Valour Device by US Consul-General Randy Berry Jr at a special ceremony in Auckland, Associate Minister of Defence Heather Roy said.
In 1968, Col Chippindale was attached to a US unit as an observer. When the unit commander was killed in an attack, Col Chippindale led a counter-attack that forced the enemy to retreat.
"For this, he was awarded the medal – but never received it and was not given approval to wear it," Ms Roy said.
"Col Chippindale is one of 15 New Zealanders who are now permitted to wear gallantry medals awarded by the Republic of Vietnam and the US during the Vietnam War, following the Governor-General's approval to accept and wear these awards."
www.stuff.co.nz/national/2972690/NZ-veteran-to-receive-US-gallantry-award
A retired New Zealand army colonel is to finally receive an award physically he was granted years ago for gallantry in the Vietnam War.
Brian Chippindale would tonight be presented the United States Bronze Star with Valour Device by US Consul-General Randy Berry Jr at a special ceremony in Auckland, Associate Minister of Defence Heather Roy said.
In 1968, Col Chippindale was attached to a US unit as an observer. When the unit commander was killed in an attack, Col Chippindale led a counter-attack that forced the enemy to retreat.
"For this, he was awarded the medal – but never received it and was not given approval to wear it," Ms Roy said.
"Col Chippindale is one of 15 New Zealanders who are now permitted to wear gallantry medals awarded by the Republic of Vietnam and the US during the Vietnam War, following the Governor-General's approval to accept and wear these awards."
www.stuff.co.nz/national/2972690/NZ-veteran-to-receive-US-gallantry-award
