66 years after my father, an Australian fighter pilot, was involved in an action over Korea, he was officially awarded the US Air Medal in a moving ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. It was an appropriate location as the Memorial is also home to the Gloster Meteor in which dad flew his first combat mission.

The presentation was part of the US Embassy’s 4th of July celebration and also a commemoration of 100 years of ‘mateship’. Australians and Americans first served together at the Battle of Hamel in 1918. In a further twist of fate, dad’s uncle fell at the Battle of Hamel a century ago.

The family is both humbled and honoured and would like to thank the United States Air Force for this recognition and Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC for his efforts in seeing the 77 squadron fighter pilot recognised for his actions over Korea in 1952.

Here are some images from an incredible evening.