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First ACBs presented |
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RAAC Corps Head Maj-Gen David Chalmers presented the ACBs to Ron Baikie and Bob Ferrari. The badge was introduced to recognise the service of personnel on warlike operations as part of non-infantry units. Col John Haynes (retd), Federal President of the RAAC Association, said the badge was a breakthrough for non-infantry veterans and serving members. “The Infantry Combat Badge was issued just after or in the latter stages of the Vietnam War and they only went to infantry soldiers,” he said. “Because others didn’t receive such recognition it was great to have a combat badge introduced for the RAAC and other fighting arms such as artillery and engineers. “It took six years of lobbying with various departments but I was confident that it would happen in the end as it was so obviously necessary.” Mr Baikie and Mr Ferrari served in Vietnam with 1 Armd Regt and both were heavily involved in campaigning for the badge. Mr Baikie said it was a great honour to receive the award. “I’m aware that many others had a great deal of involvement in the campaign and I’m very much accepting it on their behalf and on behalf of the many Vietnam veterans who I’m sure will wear it with pride,” Mr Baikie said. |
