The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will conduct an independent inquiry into 547 Signal Troop’s service in Vietnam. Senator David Feeney, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, announced the inquiry today.

547 Signal Troop conducted radio signal tracking, intercept and intelligence in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971. The Troop was stationed at the Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat.

“I am pleased to announce this inquiry into possible recognition for the service of 547 Signal Troop during the Vietnam War,” Senator Feeney said.

“I have asked the Tribunal to examine whether it is appropriate that members of the Troop be awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation or another form of medallic recognition for their service.”

“The question of outstanding recognition has been a matter of considerable interest to a number of former members of the Troop for some years.  I encourage all those former members and those with an interest in the matter to take advantage of this opportunity to make a submission,” said the Senator.

Submissions to the inquiry will close on Friday 1 June 2012.

The Tribunal can be contacted through its website: http://defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au/ or in writing to:

Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal
CP2-3-068
Locked Bag 7765
CANBERRABC ACT 2610

Further Information: Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, (02) 6266 3486 or via e-mail at DHA.Tribunal [at] defence.gov.au

Media contact:
Dimity Paul 0477 334 324