THE Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal is awarded by the Malaysian Government to the peacekeeping groups amongst the communion countries for their services in upholding peninsular of Malaya or Malaysia sovereignty during the period of emergency and confrontation.
The recipients of the medals, Peter Willings and Brian Jones, both saw service in Malaysia.
"The services of the Commonwealth Armed Forces in Malaysia at the time of their emergency helped to win for that country the right to enjoy today the freedoms that Australia has always enjoyed," Mr Willings said.
Mr Jones added that, "Even though you cannot equate the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal to the medals received by the vets for their sacrifices during the World Wars, it was still a very frightened world through the 50s and early 60s, what with the tensions and fear of a nuclear war in Europe during the Cold War, the Korean war, the Suez crisis, the Cyprus emergency and the terrorism style warfare in South East Asia.
"This medal from the Malaysian Government gives recognition of our help to that country and to our service for our own country," he said.
Both Mr Willings and Mr Jones affirmed they will wear their new medals with pride at the ANZAC Day Service on April 25 this year.
Richard Armstrong and Mr Jones were also presented with the British HM Armed Forces Veteran Badge.
Any Australian, New Zealand or British armed forces veteran who served in Malaysia for at least 90 days between 1957 and 1966 could qualify for the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal.
The Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch will assist anyone wishing to enquire or apply for any medals, badges etc they have earned for services to their country.
Email a friend