Officers are supposed to be 'gentlemen'. Through their training, actions and responsibilities, officers hold a higher trust and standing in both the military and wider general community.

When an officer lies, acts in a deceitful manner and wears awards to which he is not entitled and then when challenged, uses questionable tactics to intimidate and threaten those who question the veracity of his claims; he dishonours his commission, his service and the officer tradition.

When the awards in question are for gallantry, the action becomes even more despicable, debasing the awards and distilling the actions of those who lived and died to earn theirs.

Owen Michael Eather of Mosman, a suburb of Sydney New South Wales, graduated OCS (Officer Cadet School, now closed) in June 1966. He was posted to South VietNam (SVN) as a Platoon Commander with 85 Tipper Platoon. He has never been awarded any decorations but was observed by several people in Sydney on an Anzac Day wearing;

• The United States Silver Star (an equivalent to Australia's Military Cross and/or Military Medal).
• The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Another Eather, unrelated, a WO2 (Warrant Officer Second Class) with the AATTV (Australian Army Training Team Vietnam) was awarded these two awards and has recently died from cancer. That Owen Michael Eather was wearing the same medals was a coincidence?

When challenged about wearing these un-earned awards, a letter purporting to be from a Sydney firm of solicitors suggests that the decorations (supposedly awarded ín the 'field') could not be worn previously as "There have been regulations preventing the wearing of foreign awards until recent times".

The same letter goes on to claim that Eather served at Fire Base Coral and Fire Base Balmoral  and came under fire on "numerous occasions" as an observer with 161 Reconaissance Flight.

The chief-challenger in this case, an ex-senior Warrant Officer in the Australian Army, who had received the letters of demand from the solicitor, has been given by Eather a declaration that he will not wear the Silver Star or the Cross of Gallantry again. Also the Warrant Officer has been given a personal written apology and a letter to an ESO (Ex-Service Organisation) to whom he had complained about an action and a statement made about him by the Warrant Officer, stating his apologies.

Also an assurance that the questionable letters of demand were withdrawn was given by Eather and that no legal action would take place. 

The ex-WO went to Eather's office in Sydney NSW, got the assurance and the apologies and explained to Eather in no uncertain terms that should Eather ever try this form of masquerade again, the consequences would be drastic and debilitating for Eather personally, his reputation in business and in the Australian community, that is, total exposure in the mass media and reports to all relevant authorities and organisations. 

Eather's claims to both awards, are false.

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.