1590: Local Veterans Call for Recognition in Malaysian War Effort

Murraylands war veterans Les Smith and Keith Wood have been
fighting for recognition for years for their presence and
sacrifice in Malaysia to protect the RAAF Butterworth base during
the resurgence of the communist insurgency between 1968 and 1989.



They join Jennie Lenman in studio to discuss their
campaign.

The Department of Defence has declined an interview but has
provided the following statement:



"On 7 April 2022, the former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and
Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Andrew Gee MP, announced
the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (the
Tribunal) will re-examine the issue of medallic recognition of
Australians who served with Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia
between 1970 and 1989.



"The nominal closing date for submissions to the Tribunal was 1
July 2022, however late submissions may be accepted as the
inquiry progresses.



"As the Tribunal’s inquiry is ongoing Defence will not make
further comment on this matter."