THE LONG WAIT FOR Recognition By Cameron McCullough Photos Gary Sissons and supplied
P
aul Stock has had a long wait for recognition for his Vietnam War service.
The Somerville resident, along with other members of the highly secretive 547 Signal Troop, attended an award presentation on 27 March 2019 at Borneo Barracks in Cabarlah, Queensland, where they were presented with the “Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Palm Unit Citation”, an award presented by the Australian government, in the name of the now defunct Republic of Vietnam government. “It has been 50 years, which is a long time to wait for recognition,” said Paul.
“In fact, due to the secret nature of what we did in Vietnam, many of the men I served with have never spoken about their service. Many had parents who died not knowing what their sons actually did at war.” Paul joined the Australian Army in 1965. “I did it in anticipation of being called up. I thought if I joined up voluntarily, I’d have more options as to what I could do in the army.” Paul, the fifth of eight children, was the first member of his family to join the armed forces and recalls a father who was, at worst, ambivalent or at best, quietly proud, and a mum who didn’t want her son to leave. “It was the first time I ever saw her cry”. continued next page...
E ssence
28 | PENINSULA
June 2019