At 19, Glenn James Dobie left Snowtown to serve in World War II, where he was injured in the Solomon Islands. Doctors considered amputating his arm after a bullet hit him, but he survived. Nearly eight decades after the war, he had not received all his service medals and moved to Naracoorte post-war.
Recently, Mr. Dobie’s family and ADF representatives presented him with the Australian Service Medals 1945-1975, a long-overdue recognition. His son Kelvin Dobie expressed gratitude, highlighting the privilege of witnessing his father receive the medals and share war stories, shedding light on a previously untold chapter of their family history.
The journey to secure Mr. Dobie’s missing medals began with Laurie Mann, a veterans’ advocate from Limestone Coast, who, after meeting Mr. Dobie, discovered the oversight. The emotional impact of this belated acknowledgment was evident in Mr. Dobie’s reaction, reflecting the importance of honoring veterans’ sacrifices and contributions.
Brigadier Tim Orders, Commander of the 9th Brigade, emphasized the significance of recognizing veterans for their service, stating that all veterans, regardless of when or where they served, should seek and proudly wear the recognition they deserve. He presented Mr. Dobie with his medals, underscoring the importance of rectifying oversights in acknowledging veterans’ service.
Mr. Dobie’s family has a deep connection to the Australian Defence Force, with several relatives serving in previous wars. The ceremony honoring Mr. Dobie not only rectified a long-standing omission but also highlighted the broader issue of ensuring that all veterans receive the recognition owed to them for their sacrifices and service.
As the Department for Veterans Affairs estimates that around 2,500 Australian WWII veterans are still alive, the case of Mr. Dobie serves as a reminder of the need to ensure that all veterans receive the appropriate recognition for their service. Brigadier Orders’ message resonates beyond Mr. Dobie’s story, urging all veterans to seek the recognition they deserve and wear it with pride.
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