After more than seven decades, 92-year-old veteran Able Seaman Colin Cherry received his medals for service in HMAS Sydney III during the Korean War (1950-53).
The special presentation took place on March 5, in front of Able Seaman Cherry's wife, Sue, and was made possible thanks to Lieutenant Commander (retd) Gavin Colgan.
Lieutenant Commander Colgan met Able Seaman Cherry while volunteering with the St John Community Care Team and quickly discovered their shared service history.
"I felt a strong bond with Colin, as we both operated in the same conflict zone - albeit 73 years apart," Lieutenant Commander Colgan said.
Lieutenant Commander Colgan served as a UN Observer in the Republic of Korea Demilitarised Zone in 2022, while Able Seaman Cherry undertook about 175 days of operational service in Korea and Japan during the Korean War, before returning to Australia and civilian life.
Both veterans now call South Australia home.
Able Seaman Cherry never received any formal recognition before transitioning from Navy following his years of service.
Lieutenant Commander Colgan, inspired by their shared history, researched Able Seaman Cherry's service history and discovered his multiple honours.
Able Seaman Cherry's medal presentation coincided with Navy Week, an annual celebration of Navy's heritage and the unique strengths of Navy's people.
Commander Tony Ryder was honoured to be invited to present Able Seaman Cherry with his Korean War medals.
"It's important to celebrate Navy's heritage and recognise the enduring mateship and connection personnel have, especially during Navy Week," Commander Ryder said.
"Well done Lieutenant Commander Gavin Colgan and Able Seaman Colin Cherry - once Navy always part of the Navy family."
Able Seaman Cherry's Korean War medals:
- Return from Active Service Badge (RASB)
- Australian Active Service Medal (1945-1975) with Clasp Korea
- Korea Medal (1950-1953)
- Commonwealth Campaign Medal
- United Nations Service Medal Korea (1950-1954)
- General Service Medal (1945-1975) with Clasp Japan
- Republic of Korea War Service Medal
