Veteran Fights Medal Denial Over Disputed Disciplinary Record

A decorated New Zealand army veteran, Garry White, is contesting the denial of a medal he believes he rightfully earned. After serving for over four decades, he claims his military record has been unjustly marred by a disciplinary entry that he insists never occurred.

White, now 74, enlisted in the army as a rifleman in 1969 and was deployed to Vietnam two years later. His extensive service included missions in East Timor, Singapore, and Malaysia, culminating in his promotion to Warrant Officer Class 1 before his retirement in 2011.

In 2021, White applied for the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, which recognises 14 years of exemplary full-time service. To his surprise, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) rejected his application, citing a record indicating he had broken a curfew in Vung Tau, Vietnam, on November 10, 1971.

“I have absolutely no recollection of any such offence,” White stated. He further noted that his platoon mates also deny any incident occurred on that date. Supporting his claim, affidavits from two senior officers who served with him highlight the absence of official signatures or charge documents in the records that remain.

“I only found out it was on my record 50 years later,” White added. “It seems the word of some unnamed and unidentifiable person is preferred over mine and my two commanding officers. Does that sound fair?”

Despite appeals from White’s lawyer, who presented sworn statements from fellow service members, the NZDF has declined to correct the record. In a letter dated March 2023, Brigadier Grant Motley acknowledged that while supporting documents had long been destroyed, service and pay records still indicated a conviction and fine.

The ongoing dispute has financial implications for White, who has already incurred legal fees amounting to $6,000. “They can shove the medal, to be honest, but I want that stupid thing out of my file,” he expressed.

A spokesperson for the Defence Force stated there was “nothing further to add” beyond Brigadier Motley’s letter. As White continues his battle for justice, his case highlights broader issues regarding the handling of military records and the potential for unjust disciplinary actions to impact veterans long after their service has concluded.