Crash Victims to receive medal

The defence forces assisting with the tsunami hit areas, including the nine helicopeter victims, are to receive a medal. 

Through an extension by the Queen of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, all those who gave their time to this major disaster will now be awarded official recognition.  This was not possible before the granting of the extension.

Mr. Howard said that all defence personnel deployed will receive the medal, including the nine victims of the recent Sea King helicopter crash, who will receive their medal posthumously. An accouncement about the medal should be made in near future as the Queen has already approved it in-principle.