Nothing wrong with such a statement, in fact being able to make it in our wonderful society is one of the reasons we have gone to war. The problem is Richard benSerai is a wannabe of monumental proportions and is wearing Defence Force medals that he is not entitled to wear.

benSerai is wearing the following Australian medals:

1.  Australian Active Service Medal 1945 – 1975 with a clasp

2.  Vietnam Medal

3.  Australian Service Medal 1945 – 1975 with a clasp

4.  Defence Force Service Medal with 1^st and 2^nd clasp. (Signifying 25 years service)

5.  Vietnam Campaign Medal (signifying he spent more than six months in Vietnam)

Now read the whole article that appeared in the Cairns Post

According to Richard benSerai his Service File has been expunged or hidden because his service was secret and conducted as an Australian serving with the United States Forces. Serai’s file is so well hidden that the Defence Department, The National Australia Archives, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Australian Naval Association have never heard of him. Surely someone would know him because he wears the Defence Force Service Medal with two clasps, this signifies that he spent at least twenty five years in the Australian Defence Force.

The benSerai household was contacted at Clifton Beach, a suburb of Cairns and his wife was very careful in what she said. It went like this

“Yes Richard did serve as an Officer in the Australian Navy but he cannot talk about it because it was secret and he was working with the United States. There are no records because all his files have been removed”

The good lady was probably telling the truth - as she knows it – but we know differently. Although he looks like a jaunty ex Navy Officer with his rack of medals Richard benSerai is a low life, no good lying wannabe. For him to publicly stand up with false medals jingling and making suggestions of how veterans should change their ANZAC Day ceremony is the very peak of vexatious arrogance.

By wearing those medals and claiming to be a returned veteran benSerai has committed an offence against the Defence Act 1903 which allows for a fine of up to $3,300 and jail for six months or both. We are reliably advised that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) having been made aware of Richard benSerai have said they do not have the resources to pursue such people.

Australian Veterans believe the AFP attitude is downright wrong, and believe if it were the AFP's honour that was being stolen they would jump into action and have this bloke before a Magistrate in a flash. ANZMI urges veterans to bring this state of affairs to the attention of their politicians. 

This is published in the public interest, particularly that of the Vietnam Veteran Community. All information presented here is fact and the truth. Reports from private citizens are supported by statements of fact and statutory declarations.