Ron Masters of Kingaroy blames the RSL for his wearing of medals he is not entitled to wear.

He says the RSL told him to wear all the medals shown in the photograph below, except he alone decided to wear the end one which is the ridiculous self purchased “Simpson Medal” that is sold by the Ex Service Organisation called the Injured Service Persons Association (ISPA).  We suggest if you value your integrity don’t wear the Simpson Medal as it is only for donkeys.

The medals that Masters is wearing indicate that he served for fifteen years in the Army. He is wearing six medals, he should not be wearing four of them, yet he is entitled to wear two others.

He is not entitled to wear:

The Defence Service Medal – the third from the left. The wearer must have fifteen years diligent Service.

The National Medal – the fourth from the left. The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised organisations that help the community during times of crisis.

Vietnam Campaign Medal – fifth from the left – This award was issued by the South Vietnamese Government for six months (181 days) service in South Vietnam. Those who were evacuated from Vietnam, as casualties, as a direct result of enemy action also received this award.

The last medal, the so called, Simpson “Medal” is a self purchase trinket that must not be worn with genuine medals on the left breast.

Master’s true entitlement is four medals as follows:

First Medal - Australian Active Service Medal

Second Medal – Vietnam Medal

Third Medal - Australian Defence Medal

Fourth Medal - National Servicemen’s Commemorative Medal

Masters enlisted as a National Serviceman on the 22 April 1970. After recruit training he was allotted to the Royal Australian Artillery Corps, where he received further training and on the 15^th Sep 1970 qualified as a Storeman.

He departed for Vietnam with his unit, 12^th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery on the 4^th May 1971. On 18^th October 1971 he was medically evacuated to Australia via Butterworth, Malaysia.

He had spent 170 days in Vietnam and his medical evacuation was not a result of enemy action. It is believed he was involved in an accident involving trauma and injury to his shoulder and neck.

Masters has two Record of Service cards on his file, they describe his Army Service from start to finish, and these two cards are shown below.

Even though he was wearing four medals he was not entitled to wear, and not wearing two medals he was entitled to, Master’s offence is on the lower end of the wannabe scale.  Any reasonable war veteran who is a member of an RSL would be well aware of his correct medal entitlement. For Masters to state that it was the RSL’s fault is an act of immaturity.

Australian Veterans and the general public are much more aware of offences against Veterans than ever before.  If you offend it is most likely you will be reported and be exposed on our web site,

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.