Twenty-five New Zealand servicemen and women - including a top intelligent expert - have been awarded US military medals for their performance in Afghanistan.
The medals were awarded at a ceremony in Wellington today where US Marine Corps Major General Peter Talleri, who presented the men and women with their medals, said he was “truly humbled” by their selfless acts and outstanding intelligence work.
It is the second time since the Vietnam War that New Zealanders have been awarded US medals, and the Governor-General had to grant them special permission to wear the US medals on their uniform.
The medals include one Bronze Star, 15 Army Commendation Medals and nine Meritorious Service Medals.
They have been awarded to 11 members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team and others who served elsewhere in Afghanistan, performing tasks ranging from intelligence to bomb disposal.
The Bronze Star is the US's fourth-highest military honour - awarded for brave or praiseworthy achievement or service in fighting US enemies.
It was awarded to Major Rory McGregor, who spent seven months in Afghanistan in 2005 working in Kabul as deputy director of intelligence.
He wasn't saying what exactly he did in Kabul, but said the Bronze Star was an honour.
“It's nice to be recognised, but I think it's indicative of the hard work everyone in the New Zealand Defence Force is doing in Afghanistan.”
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones said the force took great pride in receiving the medals. The Defence Force had always worked with other military forces in operations and had always pulled its weight, he said.
US ambassador to New Zealand, David Huebner, said the New Zealanders in Afghanistan were widely admired by US troops, and the sacrifice was a real one, as four New Zealand soldiers have died serving there.
NZN