NZ defence staff awarded US medals

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force received a rare honour from the United States as they were presented with medals for service during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Seven members from the army, airforce and navy were awarded with the Army Commendation Medal, and 10 were awarded the prestigious Bronze Star.

The Queen was required to grant permission for the recipients to accept and wear the medals on their New Zealand uniforms.

During the ceremony at the United Stated Embassy in Wellington this afternoon Ambassador William McCormick praised the New Zealand soldiers' ability to establish friendships with the Afghan people.

"I am reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln when he said 'I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends'."

Defence Minister Phil Goff said it was only the second time in about 30 years that New Zealand defence personnel had been presented with medals from the United States -- the first occasion was in 2004 when medals were awarded to members of the SAS at the White House.

"The recipients of these awards served in a wide variety of roles and undertook a range of tasks. Most were acknowledged for their work with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan but several received awards for work in staff or headquarter roles."

New Zealanders had contributed to Bamyan becoming one of the most stable, secure and progressive provinces in Afghanistan, Mr Goff said.

After the ceremony Mr Goff said it was very important for New Zealanders to receive that type of award.

"New Zealanders have been recognised for their exemplary service, for their professionalism, their efficiency, their competency in Afghanistan and making a real difference to Operation Enduring Freedom."

He said the 17 honoured were representative of 500 who had served in Afghanistan -- "I think with great distinction and in a way in which we as New Zealanders can take with pride."

The medals were an acknowledgment from the United States of the good work the Defence Force did in Afghanistan.

"I think it is intended to be a recognition, formally, of what New Zealand has achieved and of course what individually these members have achieved."

Major Marcus Linehan from the New Zealand Army, who was awarded the Bronze Star for accomplishments under the most extreme circumstances , felt the award did not just belong to him.

"Personally it's great to get some recognition, but really it's recognition of all the troops and all of my peers that work with me in Afghanistan."

Others who were awarded the Bronze Star were Warrant Officer Class Two Dugald Brown - army; Staff Sergeant Kevin Cowsill - army; Major Roger Earp, - army; Commander James Gleeson - navy; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hickman,- army; Air Commodore Gavin Howse - air force; and Major Mark Taylor - army.

Personnel awarded the Army Commendation Medal were Group Captain John Duxfield - airforce; Warrant Officer Class Two Michael Hadfield - army; Chief Petty Officer Stephan Lock - navy; Lieutenant William Petersen - army; Captain Dean Rennie - army; and Major Andrew Shaw - army.

Not at the ceremony were Colonel Michael Alexander and Lieutenant Colonel A MacKinnon (subs: unable to supply first name) -- both awarded the Bronze Star; and Corporal Aaron Packer who was awarded the Commendation Medal.

- NZPA