Medal fraudster kicked out of navy in 1961
By BRUCE CUTLER - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 1 May 2007
An Anzac Day imposter who wore medals he did not earn could yet face a police inquiry.
The man's admission that he bought replica medals from online auction website Trade Me and had them professionally mounted for wearing to this year's service has infuriated many in the veteran community.
Twenty-four war medals were worn by the man on a naval chief petty officer's uniform. The military decorations suggested he served with the New Zealand, British, Australian and American forces in World War II, the Korean War and through to Vietnam.
The man insists he was entitled to them all as his former wife had burnt his original medals, forcing him to buy replacements from Trade Me.
However, official New Zealand Navy service records have revealed his service included just eight months as a Seaman Boy ? before he was discharged in 1961 after failing navy physical standards.
Under the Military Decorations and Distinctive Badges Act 1918, it is an offence to wear a medal fraudulently, with culprits liable for a fine of up to $500. It is understood no one has been convicted of such an offence.
The Returned and Services Association executive met yesterday to discuss the medal wearer's actions and decided against laying a police complaint. Officials planned to contact him to register their concerns that he was wearing medals he had not earned.
However, George Mathew, a retired lieutenant colonel who served in the New Zealand signal corps in Vietnam, said he would complain to police today. "As far as veterans are concerned, this sort of thing gets up their nose. He is what we in the veterans community call a wannabe and that is about as low as you can go, especially on Anzac Day."
Police would not comment on the matter.
Mr Mathew said he would like to see the man prosecuted to deter others. "I think a $500 fine is adequate for such a highly decorated fraudster."
In Australia, the penalty for wearing a military medal without entitlement rose in 2003 from A$200 to A$3300 (NZ$3700) or six months' jail. At least one bogus veteran is exposed by the Australian Army Records Office each week.
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