RSL guidelines state that medals and awards may only be worn on the left breast where issued to the wearer by the Australian government.

Foreign awards that have had Australian government approval may also be worn in the order of precedence specified in the regulations.

Commemorative medals (other than those authorized by Government), medals purchased by individuals or medals worn on behalf of another person should only be worn on the right breast. The RSL State Standing Policy confirms these requirements. The following extract comes from a company that supplies replica and commemorative medals: We cannot and do not encourage the wearing of unofficial commemorative medals with official ones. Wearing unofficial commemorative medals with issue medals we believe, destroys the integrity of Australia's honours and awards system. Those who are determined to wear them however, should be wearing them on a separate rack from official medals and wearers should abide by the guidelines laid down by the various ex-service organization peak bodies.

Further details can be obtained from the website: www.itsanhonour.gov.au

On 18 April 2007 The Hon Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence and Minister for Veterans Affairs authorised the following press release.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Media Mail List
------------------------------------------------------------------------

CORRECT WEARING OF SERVICE MEDALS ENCOURAGED

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, today
warned people against posing as war veterans on Anzac Day, indicating
that such behaviour was disrespectful to veterans and Service personnel
and punishable by law.

In 2003 Mr Billson was instrumental in seeing tougher penalties
introduced for the improper use of Service medals and decorations to
falsely represent a returned Service person.  His advocacy to
strengthen penalties and to improve public education about the proper
wearing of Service medals dates back to 1988 when he was a Backbencher.

“Across the country, Australians will gather on Anzac Day to commemorate
the lives of Australians lost in war and other military operations and to
reflect on the service of our Defence personnel,” he said.

“Veterans and serving personnel will wear their Service medals at
commemorative events, with a growing number of people also wearing medals
as a tribute to loved ones, including deceased family members.

“There is a protocol governing the wearing of medals and people are
encouraged to follow these guidelines to avoid misrepresentation or
disrespect to our veterans.

“Only the original medal recipient is entitled to wear medals on the
left, above the heart. Relatives’ medals may be worn on the right,” Mr
Billson said.

“Occasionally a person will wrongly claim to be a returned veteran and
wear medals to which they are not entitled. This practice is deceitful
and disrespectful to our veterans.

“Further, there are a number of unofficial medals which are sold
commercially and are not recognised through the Australian honours
system. These awards should not be worn at public events on Anzac Day,”
he said.

Under the Defence Act 1903 the penalties for the improper use of Service
decorations and for impersonating Service personnel include a fine of up
to $3300, six months imprisonment, or both.

Recently two people have been found guilty of offences under Sections 80
A and 80 B of the Defence Act for falsely claiming entitlements to
medals. Further cases, resulting from the wearing of medals for which no
entitlement exists, are currently subject to legal proceedings.

Information about the correct wearing of medals can be found on the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs website,
www.dva.gov.au or the Defence Honours
& Awards website,
www.defence.gov.au/medals

Media information:
Cameron Hill (Mr Billson) 0408 239 521
Defence Media Liaison   (02) 6265 3343 or
0408 498 664
 

 

ANZMI wrote to Crase requesting an explanation of his behaviour. 

He replied as follows:  

From: Jeffery Crase

Sent: Wednesday, 9 August 2006 4:42 PM
To: information@anzmi.net
Subject: Letter of reply 
Mr ANZMI
10 August 2006
Mr Anonymous
I am fully aware of your website and have been expecting your letter for some time, as your informant is known to me
Please refer to our website at http://www.frontiersmenaustralia.org.au  He knows the Federal Government issued the uniform to our organisation in 1993, also why I wear some Legion Medals as part of my Legion of Frontiersmen’s dress code. 
All rank, buttons and uniform is Legion, our ranks are registered with the Federal Government, and our uniform is not current Army issue or colour.  We also wear shoulder flashes on each arm, which reads, ‘Legion of Frontiersmen SA Command’ and our unit badge on the left arm.   In no way can our uniform or ranks be confused with the Australian Army uniform or ranks.
I have not warn any Legion Medals for about three years, simply because, due to an accident some were damaged and cannot be replaced.   I do wear my own however, and have all the documents necessary for their wearing. 

I contacted the Defence Security Branch and RAAF Records at Fyshwick in Canberra and informed them your organisation may be obtaining covert information and soliciting other information from persons unknown in their Department.  
I am aware your Website is registered in America under the name of ‘Charlie Manson’ and your fictitious telephone number is 555323450, and have been informed there is a ‘Watching Brief’ on your site.  
I have forwarded a copy of your letter to the Provost Marshal’s of the RAAF and Army.  A copy has also been sent to the OIC Naval Police in Sydney.
I have sent a copy of all your documentation to the Attorney-General’s Department in Canberra.
Australia Post was able to trace your Post Mark through the Post Code Bar on the envelope.
I do not have to answer to you or your organisation, but I have done so, mainly to discredit your informant and make your organisation aware it cannot hide behind a website registered in another country.
This situation is not the sole prerogative of Vietnam Veteran’s.   Whilst I have my own opinions on some of these matters, I cannot and will not condone your methods. 
My advise to you is put away your sword and get a life, before it destroys the one you have now.
Jeff Crase
 

We're quite aware of one "Watching Brief" on our site and we're more than delighted that it's there because it's carried out by senior members of the Australian Defence Force. The Army Cadets chief even published a warning due to the exposures of two Air Force Cadets staff, here's part of it.

"Any member found wearing decorations for which they have no entitlement can expect to be referred to the applicable Police service for investigation into possible breaches of the Defence Act 1903"

It goes on to mention termination of enrolments and appointments.

That's how genuine Cadets units approach this problem while Crase's organisation actually encourages fraud of this type.

 

In his reply Crase assumes that we had "an informant", the truth is that there is a line up of ex servicemen and others whom have been offended by his antics and felt it necessary to put a stop to the embarrassing behaviour.  He also says "In no way can our uniform or ranks be confused with the Australian Army uniform or ranks"  The photograph of some of Crase's Legion Officers shown below - although of poor quality - looks like a bunch of Army Officers with their names and ranks listed, what hope would the general public have of recognising the difference, they would see a military uniform with a very colourful

array of campaign medal ribbons.

Crase says he has not worn any Legion medals for about three years - he was certainly wearing fifteen Legion medal ribbons on the 24 April 2005 as is depicted in one of the photos.

Here is a photo of Crase and some of his "medalled up" "Officers".  

 

 

The Legion of Frontiersmen of the Commonwealth Cadets Unit

On 11 January 2004 at a meeting of the Para Districts National Servicemen's Sub Branch Crase said "The Legion advises and issues intelligence information to Militaries when in conflict, and the Legion has been involved in conflicts throughout the world."  The Crase cadet unit consists of fourteen Officers and eighteen Cadets - a bit top heavy - each Cadet very nearly has one on one supervision. In relation to Crase's comments, do these fourteen officers teach the eighteen cadets to be spies? Is the cadet unit a kindergarten for "spooks"? We think not, and we believe this theme is just another example of his fantasies.  

 

Crase is under investigation by The Frontiersmen Headquarters in the United Kingdom, it is a bit like trial of a Bedlam inmate by the inmates. Of course The Legion of Frontiersmen of the Commonwealth publish Routine Orders, just like real soldiers. Their Routine Orders dated September 2006 show that Crase faces possible libel charges following his accusations of foul play in the organisation.  He immediately published an apology on the grounds that having returned home after hospitalisation, he spent three hours on his computer making and sending emails of his accusations, then deleted them from his computer and cannot remember what he sent .  His apology was not accepted and an official investigation has been launched.

The Head Honcho in the UK  has the knives out. Another amusing anecdote in the Routine Orders is indicative of the mentality of the organization

"9/2/06 Loss of Rank – Colonel D McKinnon, Commandant Western Canada Command reverts to Lieutenant Colonel and issued with a Severe Reprimand for being under the influence of alcohol whilst in uniform and in a public place"   

 

Crase's behaviour highlights the extent of inappropriate wearing of medals in the various cadet organisations across Australia. In recent times we have uncovered similar behaviour across many sections of cadet activities. This has included Naval Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Force Cadets staff.

"Wing Commander" David Bain, Australian Air Force Cadets wore medals and wings he is not entitled to. 

 

 

Warrant Officer Graham Keaton, Australian Air Force Cadets, wore more medals than he is entitled to, in addition to an Infantry Combat Badge (ICB). Besides being not entitled to the ICB, it is not to be worn with RAAF uniform and this fact is clearly stated in the RAAF dress manual, a vital publication his former boss and fellow   wannabe chose to ignore.

 

  

 

 A Navy Cadets Officer was photographed wearing numerous inappropriate medals and badges. His excuse - he was "dressed up" to advertise a book he was writing. Funny though, he was wearing his own nametag for the photograph

 

 

Paul Warren McCarthy exhibited bizarre behaviour towards Army Cadets and wore strange ribbons.

 

 

 

We now have Jeffery J Crase wearing inappropriate ribbons contrary to protocol and good taste in an obvious attempt to portray himself as a medal bedecked hero and an officer and gentleman.  

He is no more than a posing ex- RAAF Sergeant with no overseas or operational service trying to show people that he is something he never was, and could never be - a high ranking military officer and a gentleman. 

 

To deceive the general populace is one thing, however, to deceive young Australian Cadets who show a keen interest in serving this fine country is another thing.  
 

Grow up the bloody lot of you. 

  3 May 2007

We are advised that Crase has support from some of  the Adelaide veteran community possibly because of his involvement with youth through his Cadet Unit. We would ask these veterans to give the matter a little thought.  His behaviour in craving to be seen wearing unearned high rank and many fake medals is not behaviour  expected from a leader of our youth. Perhaps these veteran supporters could email our "Guestbook" and tell us why Crase deserves the support of genuine veterans.

 

The Funk and Wagnall's dictionary definition of a megalomaniac is as follows:

 

"A mental disorder in which the subject thinks himself great or exalted. A tendency to magnify and exaggerate"

 

This definition could fit an ex RAAF Sergeant who dresses up and marches on ANZAC day as a high ranking military officer with a chest full of worthless medals.  Imagine what kind of message  this behaviour instills into the impressionable minds of youngsters who look up to this person as their leader. 

 

Crase supporters should also consider this: 

 

Perhaps Crase is involved with "his" Cadets so he can wear a pseudo high rank on a military uniform, together with a gaggle of medals, irrespective of their worth. The welfare of youth is simply a red herring, to mask his strange personality trait. He has a captive group of Cadets to venerate his high rank and medals.

 

The general public would have no idea that Crase is  faking his military persona and would respect his rank and medals on ANZAC days because they do not  know any difference.   Those misguided Adelaide veterans who support him, have no such defence.

 

In short, Crase, the military martinet, has created a world where he can get the adoration that his personality craves. Such a warped personality should not be involved with a Cadet unit .

 

Crase is no longer affiliated with any part of the Legion of Frontiersmen. He was severed from the Australian Division on 23 April 2002 then stripped of his rank and medals and cashiered from the Commonwealth Division on the 18th February 2007 for "Conduct unbecoming an Officer", we assume Crase has now created his own little "Army" to continue his bizarre behaviour.

 

Crase said in a recent email  "All of the information about him on our web site was inaccurate or just plain made up"  We ask Mr Crase what information is "inaccurate" and which parts are "made up". There is so much more we could detail about Crase, like:  

 

1. Brandishing his service pistol when confronted by a person he had offended.

 

2. Taking a SA policeman to court, the case was thrown out of court and described by the judge as "ludicrous".

 

3. Being made to pay compensation for involvement in an unathorised police investigation into an innocent citizen who had questioned his behaviour during a Cadet camp.

 

4. Without authority used the Frontiersmens' name to threaten a person who questioned his antics.

 

5. At the opening of Adelaide RSL Headquarters, was present in full "military" uniform demonstrating rifles and weapons to the public. In that same year some of his fourteen  "Officers" marched in full uniform with the National Service  Association.

 

6. Was a full member of the National Servicemens Association Para Districts Sub Branch, South Australia, when he was never a National Serviceman. On the 12 Mar 2004 he wrote to the association  telling them "He had been instructed (by the Legion) to write, complaining about a member who had questioned his conduct within the National Service Association".  He demanded the  individual be gagged and the Association issue the Legion an apology.

 Now let's review the information that Crase says is "inaccurate or just plain made up"

 

1.  Crase wears fifteen Frontiersmen self purchased medals or medal ribbons attached to his one defence force issued medal (possibly two now including the ADM) to give the impression he is a high ranking seasoned veteran of many conflicts - Is this true? - see the photographs and judge for yourself.

 

2.  In 2003 was seen outside Government House in the full military type uniform of a Brigadier and wearing his full array of "Fronty" medals or ribbons attached to his one defence force medal. - Is this true? - We have a Statutory Declaration.

 

3. ANZAC Day Adelaide 2006, was in full military type uniform and acting as a marshal on the parade - We have Documentary evidence.  

 

4.  He said "In no way can our uniforms be confused with the Australian Army uniforms or rank".  Is this true? - Look at the photos.

 

5. On the 11 Jan 2004 at a meeting of the Para Districts National Servicemens Association he reported that "The Legion advises and issues intelligence information to militaries when in conflict, and the Legion has  been involved in conflicts throughout the  world".  Is this true? - We have Documentary evidence.  Is he training up a group of junior James Bonds ? - What codswallop.

 

6. At the same meeting he said "The Legion (in Adelaide) has at present eighteen Cadets and fourteen officers".- We have Documentary evidence - Why  would a Cadet unit with only eighteen Cadets need fourteen officers. We believe it is so that Crase and his mates can become commissioned Officers, "Dress up", play pretend soldiers and boss kids around.

 

7. Crase  has been investigated by his Headquarters in London for conduct unbecoming and officer. He has now been reduced to the rank of Frontiersman  (Private) stripped of  his  Fronty medals and immediately discharged from the Legion.  We have copies of the Legion Orders.

  

Crase should not be allowed anywhere near a Cadet unit, he has a clearly documented history of unstable behaviour. Anytime his bizarre behaviour is questioned he goes straight to threats of legal action and police involvement. Most of the "hard case" wannabe conmen invoke this tactic when confronted with their deceit.

 

Simply put, Crase is a serial menace, he portrays himself as a decorated veteran and wreaks havoc in the community wherever he goes. He  is not a veteran and is stealing the honour reserved for genuine veterans.  

ANZMI never reveals all evidence we hold against impostors, We invite any Federal or State police who have an interest in Mr Crase to contact us.