Glenn Dobie, a World War II veteran aged 99, finally received the complete set of service medals he was entitled to, nearly eight decades after the war’s end. Hailing from Snowtown in South Australia, Dobie bravely served as a lead scout in the Solomon Islands during the war. His valor was evident when he was wounded by a bullet that miraculously ricocheted off his magazine, hitting his arm. Despite initial concerns of potential amputation, Dobie recovered, but for years, he had not been honored with all his service medals.

The long-overdue recognition came to fruition through the persistent efforts of veterans’ advocate Laurie Mann, who uncovered the oversight. Mann, dedicated to supporting veterans in the Limestone Coast region, struck up a friendship with Dobie and his family while on his mission. It was during this time that he realized Dobie’s missing medals and took action to rectify the situation.

The emotional moment of Dobie finally receiving his Australian Service Medals 1945-1975 was a poignant occasion for his family, especially his son Kelvin, who described it as a “privilege and an honor.” Dobie, like many veterans, had been reticent to share his wartime experiences until recent years, underscoring the significance of acknowledging and preserving such stories.

The significance of veterans’ recognition was highlighted by Brigadier Tim Orders, Commander of the 9th Brigade, who emphasized the importance of honoring all veterans for their service. Orders, who presented Dobie with his medals, stressed that every veteran, irrespective of when and where they served, should be duly acknowledged for their contributions.

Dobie’s family has a deep-rooted history of military service, with his brother-in-law and brother having also served in World War II, alongside his uncle’s involvement in World War I as a light horseman. The belated presentation of Dobie’s medals serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during times of conflict.

As the Department for Veterans Affairs estimates that around 2,500 Australian World War II veterans are still alive, the episode involving Dobie underscores the importance of ensuring that all veterans receive the recognition they deserve. Brigadier Orders’ call for veterans to actively seek out the acknowledgment owed to them resonates as a tribute to the enduring valor and dedication of those who have served their country.