In this photograph you can see that “Dutchy” was a bit shy to show his gleaming array of medals and was careful to place his arm in front of them to thwart the photographer.
 

 

 
 
The determination of the photographer was not easily thwarted and he snuck a phone camera under the table and got a shot of the medals. The photo, although a little blurred shows “Dutchy” wearing the following medals;
 
Australian Active Service Medal
Vietnam Medal
Defence Force Service Medal
National Medal
Purple Heart (USA)
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Vietnam Campaign
 

 
Tennant Creek locals were suspicious about “Dutchy” because of the Purple Heart and also he could not remember his Regimental number – you show me a soldier who can’t remember his regimental number and I will show you a very likely candidate for our web site. “Dutchy” also spruicks about how Vietnam ruined his health – obviously playing the sympathy card of a wounded hero. 
 
Tennant Creek may be way out in the middle of no where but the local veterans are not yokels and can sniff out a suspected wannabe when the occasion arises. Wannabes should be aware that ANZMI has eyes and ears all over Australia and sooner or later they will be exposed.
 
We were very pleased to assist the good veterans of Tennant Creek to expose Jooitsen “Dutchy” Van Assen as an impertinent and disgraceful wannabe who steals the valour of genuine veterans. He has committed an offence against the Defence Act, 1903 (as amended). It is a federal offence to claim to be a returned soldier, sailor or airman, subject to six months' imprisonment and a fine of up to $3300. 
  
We approached our usual sources regarding a Service File for Jooitsen Van Assen and got the following reply.

Dear Sir

Thank you for your inquiry regarding VAN ASSEN, Jooitsen  

Post-WWII Army records are held by the Central Army Records Office (CARO). They have advised us that they were unable to locate a record for this individual. We provided them with the following information:

Name:   VAN ASSEN, Jooitsen                                    
DOB:    22 March 1942                                                  
Served: 1960-1975                                                             
Service No:     Unknown                                               
 
“Dutchy” is a dud, and as far as we know whilst he may have pulled on the odd clog or two has never pulled on an Army boot of any kind, he is the worst kind of wannabe, who claims to have served with the elite SASR and to have given heroic service and  been wounded in action.

We wrote to Van Assen asking for information about his Military Service, however he chose to ignore our letter.
 
Dutchy is a thief of veteran honour and will for the rest of his days languish on our web site an honour he richly deserves.