For almost 50 years John Abernethy of Millingandi, has sought military recognition of a fellow Vietnam veteran for his actions under fire.
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What has driven him was the vision of 48 years ago, as he looked back in the light of tracer bullets to see the platoon medic, Private Ian Reid exposed to enemy fire as he cradled a seriously injured man in his arms.
After several formal attempts throughout the years to get Ian Reid recognised and countless reams of testimony, the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal finally made recommendation that Mr Reid receive the Medal for Gallantry for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as the platoon medical assistant with 7 Platoon, Charlie Company, 7th Battalion during an ambush near the village of Phuoc Loi, South Vietnam on April 30, 1970.
The tribunal’s findings, made public in November 2017, were sent to the Minister for Defence Personnel, for him to recommend to the Governor-General that Mr Reid be awarded the Medal for Gallantry. However five months later the recommendation has yet to be actioned.
A Defence spokesperson said the Minister for Defence Personnel was considering his decision in this matter and that Mr Reid would be advised when a decision was made.
Mr Abernethy said he was the only person looking back that night during the ambush, “looking in the same direction as the enemy”.
“I was not hindered by muzzle flash. This I believe is why I saw Reid right throughout the contact, where others may have only caught glimpses.
“I have been a spectator ever since and I am so frustrated for this man,” Mr Abernethy said.
But far from being just “a spectator” Mr Abernethy has been relentless in his pursuit of a recognition for a fellow soldier.
“I’ve been his champion. I don’t believe he should be forgotten,” Mr Abernethy said.
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