(Back, from left) Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch president John Harris, Senator Perin Davey, Mayor Peta Betts and Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch researcher Tom 'Sarge' Cheeseman; (front) veteran Russell Eames (centre) with his children Dennis Eames and Christine Soorley.
Russell Eames will participate in this Thursday’s Anzac Day march with one extra medal pinned to his chest.
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After research completed by the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch, it was confirmed that Mr Eames was entitled to one more medal that had never been awarded to him.
And so yesterday he was presented with the 1945-1947 Defence Service Medal South West Pacific Clasp.
He also became the fifth person in Deniliquin to receive the Australian Service Medal.
Mr Eames is Deniliquin’s sole surviving World War II veteran.
He served in the Australian Army from 1940 to 1946.
The timing of his discharge from the army in late 1946 made him eligible for the 1945-1947 medal.
Speaking to the Pastoral Times, Mr Eames said receiving the medal “means a lot”.
“It’s something I have been missing for the last 78 years,” he said.
“But I’m no hero - there are thousands of people who deserve this medal (and never received it).”
Mr Eames was just 17 when he enlisted in the Army.
While he lied about his age on the official documents to be granted enlistment, Mr Eames left for war with the permission of his family.
“When I was 17 and a half, I rode a horse something like 15 miles to sign up for the Army, but I lied and put my age as 18,” he said.
His first encounter with the offensive was his first overseas commission to Balikpapan in Borneo.
He was a soldier in the 33rd Guard Regiment and was tasked with guarding army equipment and supplies.
Mr Eames was still serving in the islands during the conflicts covered by his new medal.
Given the honour of bestowing his medals was Deniliquin-based Federal Senator Perin Davey.
Also presiding over the short ceremony which took place at Orana Southern Cross Care were Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch president John Harris, other sub-branch members and Edward River Council Mayor Peta Betts.
The brief service was also attended by fellow Orana residents, staff and Mr Eames’ family and friends.
Senator Davey said she was both “honoured and privileged” to be asked to present the medals, and to thank Mr Eames for his service.
And Mr Harris said it was “well deserved”.
“We’re very proud of him,” he said.
Like many of his generation, Mr Eames prefers not to speak of his war experiences.
Russell Eames was just 17 when he registered for World War II service, lying about his age.
But he did express how important days like Anzac Day and Remebrance Day are to him.
“My father (Alfred) was a World War I veteran, and days like Anzac Day mean a lot because I defended this country,” he said.
While he can no longer march in the procession for either commemorative event, Mr Eames still participates with the assistance of the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch.
This Thursday he will again take pride of place near the front of the procession, chauffeured in an Army jeep by sub-branch member Kim Thomas.
And he says he will continue doing so each year, provided he is well enough.
“It makes me feel good to see that people still respect us (veterans) and I am proud to still be here.
“I never miss an Anzac Day or Remembrance Day - someone always helps to make sure I get there.
“It is important that we respect those who returned, but also all those who didn’t.”
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