The Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal has today (2 May 2017) released its decisions in regard to awards granted to the then SBLTs Michael PERROTT, Robert KYLE, and Andrew PERRY for the actions they were involved with whilst serving with the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam in the period 1969-1970.The reports resulted in the following decisions:
SBLT Michael Perrott. The decision by the Chief of Navy to refuse to recommend a higher gallantry award for SBLT Perrott be set aside, and the Minister recommend to the Governor-General that SBLT Perrott be awarded the Medal for Gallantry for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as the aircraft captain commanding the rescue of a downed helicopter crew in the vicinity of Vinh Long, South Vietnam on 2 February 1969.
SBLT Robert Kyle. The decision by the Chief of Navy to refuse to recommend a higher gallantry award for SBLT Kyle be affirmed.
SBLT Andrew Perry. The decision by the Chief of Navy to refuse to recommend a higher gallantry award for SBLT Perry be set aside, and the Minister recommend to the Governor-General that SBLT Perry be awarded the Medal for Gallantry for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a Flight Leader at Binh Dai, South Vietnam on 18 May 1970.
A copy of the Tribunal’s report in respect of Perrott and Kyle can be found here.
A copy of the Tribunal’s report in respect of Perry can be found here.
The reports contain detailed descriptions of the above actions and the reasons for the Tribunal’s decision in regard to the above matter. They are compelling reading.
The FAAAA extends its warmest congratulations to Mike Perrott and Andy Perry, both of whom have had to wait over 40 years for appropriate recognition of their bravery. We also recognise the extraordinary courage of Bob Kyle whose conduct as a co-pilot on 2 February 1969 is not in any way diminished by the Tribunal’s decision today.
Webmaster 2 May 2017
