PNG Ex-Serviceman Awarded Australian Service Medal

A Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) ex-Serviceman was awarded an Australian Service Medal 1945 – 1975, at a ceremony in Daru on 21 October 2016, for his service in the Royal Australian Navy.

The ex-Serviceman, retired Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Moi Wia, served in the Royal Australian Navy from January 1973 until Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975, at which time he transferred to the PNGDF Maritime Element. Retired CWO Wia then served in the PNGDF until he left during the downsizing of the PNGDF in 2002.

Lieutenant Colonel Steve Blair, the Deputy Head of Australian Defence Staff in Papua New Guinea, was delighted to travel to Daru to present the medal.
“It was a real honour to be able to present this medal to retired CWO Wia and a great pleasure to meet a man whose life has been one of service to his country,” LTCOL Blair said.
“Not only did he serve with distinction for nearly 30 years in his country’s defence force, since leaving it he has served as a Ward Councillor in the Boze Local Level Government in Western Province, for nearly ten years.”
“He stands as a great example to others of how to live a life of honour and service to your community and country.”
Retired CWO Wia was very happy to receive the medal, which was presented in a ceremony at the Western Provincial Government Headquarters and witnessed by other ex-Servicemen, Provincial Government officers, along with family and friends.
“I wrote to the Royal Australian Navy earlier this year to follow up on any outstanding entitlements from my service, and was very happy to get a phone call in September advising me about the medal,” retired CWO Wia said.
“I was proud to serve in both the Royal Australian Navy and the PNGDF, and I encourage everyone, particularly young people, to think about how they can make a contribution to their communities and country.”
The Australian Service Medal 1945 – 1975 was approved for issue by Her Majesty the Queen in 1995, and recognises military service in specified areas, such as Papua New Guinea, by members of the Australian Defence Force.