Stolen Valour

UPDATE MARCH 2020

Having been cornered, David Armstrong has lowered his flag and comprehensively apologised for his deceit. The following was published in the South Eastern Times, Millicent, South Australia on 19 March 2020.

The work of the Millicent RSL in dealing with this matter is commended.

Armstrong is also commended for his apology, however he will remain on board HMAS ANZMI as a Cook for ever more.

*****

Here is "Petty Officer" David Armstrong of Millicent South Australia, according to his photograph he is a highly qualified Submariner and RAN Special Forces veteran

Note that when the photograph was taken Armstrong claimed to have served for twenty five years and was awaiting a medical discharge. In reality Armstrong is a dud pretending to be someone he never was, nor ever could be.

On his shoulder he wears the rank of Petty Officer:

On his left breast he wears a name tag that includes a Clearance Divers Badge, Mine Clearance Diving Officer's (MCDO) badge, a Submariner badge Dolphin Badge.

Beneath the name tag he wears five medals.

The medals are:

Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) with clasps, ICAT, Iraq, East Timor and Somalia: Not Entitled
International Force East Timor (ICAT) Not Entitled
Iraq Medal (IM) Not Entitled
Australian Service Medal (ASM) Not Entitled
Australian Defence Medal (ADM) Entitled

He is entitled to wear only the fifth medal which is the ADM. The other four are self purchased fakes.

Armstrong wears eight medals on his right breast, and states they were earned by his father, his uncles and his grand father.

These medals are:

Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 (with clasp KOREA);
Korea Medal (U.K.);
Korea Medal (U.N.);
Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 (with 2 clasps: JAPAN?, PNG?);
Australian Defence Medal;
Unidentifiable (unofficial “tin” medal);
Korean War Veterans Association Medal (unofficial “tin” medal).
Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 (no clasps).


An RSL executive and a Police Officer visited Armstrong at his residence in early March 2020. During the visit, Armstrong continued to claim he was a Clearance Diver. The visiting executive, told him that he had received advice from the RAN Clearance Diver Association and the Submariners Association of Australia that there was not, and never had been, a David Armstrong in either employment.

To that , Armstrong claimed "that he had trained at HMAS Penguin and was a senior instructor and had friends who could verify it".

Armstrong then produced a White Ensign flag to the visitors. The flag had his uncle's name endorsed on it, and he said his name would soon be on it and that was proof of his service. At that time, Armstrong claimed that, “you people” have got it in for me and are putting in the knife when a bloke is down.

When previously contacted by an ANZMI researcher, Armstrong acted in a similar way and stated that, "he did serve in the RAN for nine years but all the badges including the rank of Chief Petty Officer were earned by his father, uncle and grandfather", however, he claimed, "to have been awarded all of the left breast medals and clasps".

Here are details of Armstrong's actual service:

Armstrong enlisted in 1998 and was medically discharged in November 2003. Armstrong served "sea time" as an Able Seaman Cook, aboard HMAS Adelaide, HMAS Bunbury and HMAS Geraldton. He also had the following shore postings, HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Stirling, HMAS Cairns and HMAS Penguin. In addition he served as a temporary Cook aboard Submarine HMAS Rankin, but only whilst in dock.

He was never deployed on any overseas Operations.

Armstrong has committed offences under the Defence Act 1903 Part VII Sectionss 80A and 80B, which are:'

80A. Falsely representing to be returned sailor
80B. Improper use of service decorations

Each of these offences have Maximum penalties of $3,300 fine, or six months imprisonment or both.

Armstrong's behaviour is as bad as it gets, and like most wannabes, he sought media attention to broadcast his false prodigious RAN service. His actions, like those of all wannabes have misfired, and instead of fame he has found derision. Psychologists say,

"Someone who's impersonating, generally what it means is they don't perceive themselves as having sufficient personal value
It might be someone who has a somewhat regular life and isn't really pleased with themselves, and so they try to associate with a higher status or an admired role or group."

From a returned veterans perspective, buying the medals and accoutrements to create an image, is a hell of a lot easier than going out and doing the hard yards of a deployment, or even going through the training.

Armstrong now has a secure berth on HMAS ANZMI, where he can skulk in the bilge with many others of his ilk.

William "Bill" Caton alleges his wearing of false medals over the past twelve years is the fault of an RSL Secretary who is deceased. It is a very lame excuse, considering the Secretary mentioned, cannot defend himself. In any case, Caton would have clearly known he had not been awarded the medals concerned, particularly the prestigious Member of the British Empire Medal (MBE) which, in addition to being a medals cheat also makes him a liar.

The medals are:

Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE. Not entitled
Australian Active Service Medal (AASM)
Naval General Service Medal (NGSM)
General Service Medal (GSM) 1962
Vietnam Medal (VM) Not entitled
Australian Service Medal (ASM)
Australian Defence Medal (ADM)
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM) Not entitled
Pinjat Jasa Malaysia (PJM)

Caton is not entitled to three of the medals, but may be entitled to a lesser medal for his two days of Vietnam service out of sight of the Vietnam coast. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Nominal Roll details that Caton spent 23 days aboard HMAS Melbourne in Vietnam. Whether Caton was on board is a mystery, because his RAN service record does not reflect involvement in that voyage. HMAS Melbourne escorted HMAS Sydney to Vietnam waters from 31 May 1965 to 22 June 1965 which was 23 days, as shown on the DVA Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans. HMAS Melbourne's actual time in Vietnam waters, consisted of only two days, the 7th and 8th of June 1965 and was out of sight of land the whole time.

"In accordance with information from Ship Movements Sheets – Naval History Section – Sea Power Centre, Australia, I am able to confirm that HMAS Melbourne has qualifying time and eligibility for the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp ‘Vietnam’ , Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge for the period being 07/06/1965 – 8/06/1965".


Caton's record of service, clearly shows that he was aboard HMAS Supply on the 7th and 8th June 1965. HMAS Supply is not listed as ever participating in the Vietnam war.

His record shows he was located at HMAS Terror in Singapore from 14 March 1965 until 23 May 1965 and then aboard HMAS Supply from 23 May 1965 until 22 June 1965,

On that May/June 65 voyage, HMAS Melbourne escorted HMAS Sydney from the Singapore area to Vietnam waters. HMAS Melbourne never went within sight of the Vietnam Coast, but many years later, after much lobbying, the crew were presented with the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal (VLSM), which is the medal that Caton could be wearing instead of the VM and the RVCM, if he was in fact aboard HMAS Melbourne at the time.

Which is correct? The DVA Nominal roll that puts Caton on board HMAS Melbourne on 7th 8th June 65 or his official RAN file, which puts him aboard HMAS Supply on 7th 8th June 1965?

The twenty three days in Vietnam shown on the DVA nominal roll was actually the time that HMAS Melbourne departed Singapore until it returned to Singapore. Caton's whole Vietnam experience would have been two days out of sight of land in Vietnam waters. For that service, he wears the same medals as an Infantry soldier who had to serve one hundred and eighty one days on Vietnam soil.

The MBE is a very prestigious medal presented under the previous imperial system for outstanding service in a senior position. All recipients are listed on the London Gazette. Caton is not listed and has never been awarded the medal.

Below, is the "official" reason why Caton wears the three false medals. The information was presented by executives of the Killarney RSL

"Bill was attending a meeting in Killarney when his medals were stolen from inside his car. A week later, Sub-Branch secretary Trevor Smart (deceased) gave him a rack of medals to wear and replace the ones stolen. Some time later, Caton’s medals were returned to his car however he didn’t get around to replacing them and remained wearing the rack given him by Mr Smart".

What a load of codswallop. The above happened around twelve years ago and Caton continued to wear the medals for twelve years.

An investigator was also advised by a Killarney RSL executive, that Caton served on four different ships in Vietnam and there was no record because RAN never kept records. More Codswallop

After trying to contact Caton we received this email from Mr Peter Webster PhD Secretary of the Killarney RSL:

President: Jim McGee

Secretary: Peter Webster

Email: rslkillarney@gmail.com
Send all correspondence to: The Secretary, PO Box 69, Killarney, Qld, 4373


Greetings,
Mr xxxxxxx (Investigator?).
I have been informed of your 'investigation' (23 February 2020) and am in receipt of copies of emails initially sent to ex-President (Killarney RSL Sub-Branch) Mr xxxxxxxx and/or ex-Secretary Mrs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

With the limited information currently available to me, it appears that person or persons unknown to us, (identified in the emails as 'a friend') have asserted that one of our members, Mr William (Bill) Caton, is being investigated by you, for alleged wearing of medals to which the allegation clearly infers, he is not entitled, namely the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (1965).

Please advise me of your role in this investigation?

It is of concern to us that proper protocol appears not to have been followed, in that this matter has been brought to the attention of Mr John Skinner President of Warwick RSL Sub-Branch, which as you will be aware is a different 'entity' to ours.
Further, prejudicial language such as "He is a 'big noise' in the Killarney (Qld) RSL Sub-Branch" and "I believe this man is a medal cheat", would appear, at least on the surface, to negate any presumption of innocence?

In all further communications, you are requested to contact either myself (as Secretary) or my President Mr James (Jim) McGee, details above on our letterhead.

Peter Webster PhD
Facebook: Killarney RSL Sub-Branch Military Memorabilia Museum.[/i]

Due to member shortages, the problem has now developed within RSL Sub Branches, where persons with not one day of military service can be voted on to Sub Branch Boards, and make decisions that affect genuine veterans. Peter Webster, Secretary, Killarney RSL Sub Branch is a classic example of how the RSL organisation, is being infiltrated by persons who have no affiliation with veterans other than a possible family member.

The signatory, Peter Webster PhD Secretary, is a Citizens Auxiliary member and has never served in the Australian or any other Defence Force. It is incongruous that he should be involved in matters involving Service members of the RSL. For those interested, here is a photograph of Peter Webster PhD:

Caton joined the RAN in 1957. After failing his first Clearance Diver course in 1960, he qualified as a Clearance Diver in 1961. He then served as an Able Seaman and Leading Seaman, then back to Able Seaman, then Acting Leading Seaman by March 1969. Caton was withdrawn from an Advanced Clearance Divers course in 1967 after being deemed unsuitable.

The Killarney RSL also claim to have proof that Caton served on land in Vietnam and therefore was entitled to wear the two Vietnam medals. One of the two medals actually required 181 days, and in any case, they already say his wearing of false medals was a result of a theft from his car. There were forty eight RAN Special Forces Clearance Divers posted to Vietnam between February 1967 and May 1971 who earned the two medals. Caton was not one of them.

Caton is a dishonest medals cheat who dazzled the Killarney RSL with his Clearance Diver background and his false medals rack. Any prestige he was due, has been erased by his big noting dishonesty.

There are Clearance Diver berths, on HMAS ANZMI, these are usually filled by people falsely claiming such service. It is unusual to have one on board, who was a genuine Clearance Diver, but has been blowing false bubbles as a medals cheat.

If you believe Adrian Leon Hepi’s published Linked In educational qualifications, and his claimed military history, then you would think that this gentleman is highly qualified in his chosen field as a Professor and a Clinical Nurse, with exceptional Defence Force Paramedic experience.

To put it bluntly though, Adrian Leon Hepi is a fraud. He is a Medal Cheat, a Valour Thief and a Military Imposter. He lacks credibility.
He has ingratiated himself in the Returned and Services League veteran community and the civilian medical field by fraudulently claiming New Zealand and Australian military service that is untrue.

ANZMI has no qualms in exposing Hepi as a fraud.

Below are photographs of Hepi taken from his Facebook Page.

In the above photograph Hepi is wearing the following medals (from left to right) -;

1 National Emergency Medal – Not entitled.
The National Emergency Medal is an award of the Australian honours system given for sustained service during a nationally significant emergency; or to other persons who rendered significant service in response to such emergencies. The medal was established by Queen Elizabeth II in October 2011.Australia National Emergency Medal. Hepi is not listed on Governor General’s It’s an Honour site.

2 Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal – Not entitled.
The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal was introduced following the Review of Australian Honours and Awards, which reported in late 1995. The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal was established on 16 April 1999 by Letters Patent to recognise humanitarian service provided in response to civil unrest overseas. Hepi is not listed on Governor General’s It’s an Honour site..

3. Australian Defence Medal - Entitled.

4. New Zealand Defence Force Service Medal clasp Territorial - Not entitled.
Territorial
For a minimum of three years efficient service in the Territorial Forces of the NZDF or (before 1990) the New Zealand armed forces commencing on or after 3 September 1945

5. Timor Leste Solidarity Medal – Not entitled..
The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (Portuguese: Medalha Solidariedade de Timor-Leste) is a state decoration of East Timor awarded to international security forces for their contribution to stability and peace operations in East Timor during the INTERFET operation, and following the 2006 East Timorese crisis.

6. Multinational Force Observers Medal. Sinai – Not entitled.
Australian Defence Force members working under Operation MAZURKA assist the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai, Egypt. The MFO awards system recognises service with the MFO, including special recognition of outstanding acts or performance, by military and civilian members of the MFO. The medal is awarded for six months (minimum 170 days) of honourable duty with the MFO.

Hepi was reported to ANZMI by former colleagues who are disappointed that he would claim and wear military medals that he has not earned to increase his status in the veteran community and the medical profession.

Below is the (part) curriculum vitai (c.v.)that Hepi has placed on his Linked In account to gain employment positions. Hepi has not just embellished his past employment, he has also fraudulently invented it. (Spelling and grammar errors have not been corrected by ANZMI).

Paramedic
NZ Army
1979 – Apr 1980 1 year
Canterbury & West Coast, New Zealand
Medical & support Platoon Royal Canterbury Regiment Licolin University Christchurch
Honors & Awards
• National Emergency Medal (NEM)
honor date Jul 2014 honor issuer Governer General's Office National Australian Awards
honor description For Sustained Volunteer Service and helping others Cyclone Yasi & Queensland Floods 2011
• • Humanartarian Medal
honor date Oct 2013 honor issuer Australian Government
honor description For volunteer Disaster Management Christvhurch Earthquake
• • Australian Defence Medal
honor date Apr 2007 honor issuer ADF Defence National Awards
honor description ADF Service
• New Zealand Defence medal
honor date Nov 1980 honor issuer NZ Army Territorial Service
honor description NZTF

ANZMI has been in contact with former colleagues of Hepi, who confirm that Hepi was never a member of the New Zealand Army Territorials, (part time) or the New Zealand Regular Army. They have also informed ANZMI that the Medical & Support Platoon, Royal Canterbury Regiment, Lincoln University Christchurch, did not have Paramedics as Hepi claims. His claim of -;
Paramedic
NZ Army
1979 – Apr 1980 1 year
Canterbury & West Coast, New Zealand Medical & support Platoon Royal Canterbury Regiment Licolin (sic) University Christchurch
is false.

Even if his NZ Army claim was true, he would not be entitled to wear the NZ Defence Service Medal. That entitlement stipulates a three year service period. Hepi, by his own admission served only one year. (1979 – April 1980 1 year) The truth is though, he never served at all. Not one day.

Inquiries have been made at the Australian Governor Generals Office, Its an Honour, in respect to his claimed awards of the National Emergency Medal and the Humanitarian Overseas Medal. Hepi’s name does not appear as a recipient for either award. In fact he refers to the Humanitarian Overseas Medal as the "Humanartarian Medal." Not a good look if you have in fact been awarded the medal, and you are allegedly a Professor.

Hepi claims the Timor-Leste Solidarity medal. This medal was proclaimed to recognise those men and women who provided service in stability and peace operations in Timor-Leste from 1 May 2006.

According to Hepi’s c.v.,he discharged from the Australian Army in 1994, 12 years before the medal was proclaimed and issued. See below.

• HEPI. Adrian Leon.
•
• Para Medic
Australian Army
Feb 1986 – Jun 1994 8 years 5 months
Townsville, Australia
Trained as Riflemen 031 / Patrol Medic 036 / Driver 109
31 RQR
9FD AMB
1 Training Group Wacol
11 Training Group Townsville
1RAR RAP
3/4 CAV RAP

The last medal Hepi is claiming is the Multinational Force Observers medal for service in the Sinai. He has also purchased this medal and had it court mounted.

Nowhere above does Hepi refer to service in East Timor or the Sinai, whilst a member of the Australian Army.

In the below photograph, Hepi is wearing a replica medal rack on his right side, denoting that the medals had been awarded to a deceased direct descendant. (Father or Grandfather)

Inquiries have also been made to this entitlement and reveal that the medals were in fact awarded to Captain William Poata, aka Porter, who distinguished himself in World War 2. William was awarded the Military Cross for heroism on the 24 February, 1942 in Crete, and the Bar to the Military Cross for heroism on the 3 November, 1942 in Egypt.

It has been established that Adrian Leon Hepi is not a direct descendant of Captain William Poata aka Porter. Hepi has purchased the replica medals, had them court mounted to portray an image that he has an entitlement to wear them. He has no entitlement.

Hepi’s Facebook page, before it was removed, also included a photograph of the below medals and medal case. He is indicating here that he has some family affiliation with the medal awardee. He has absolutely no connection whatsoever.

The medals were awarded to the distinguished Captain Harding Waipuke Leaf (Maori Pioneer Battalion for service in World War 1 and World War 2., and include the Military Cross for heroism.

Hepi was sent two emails informing him that some former close colleagues, had informed ANZMI that he was a Medal Cheat, a Valour Thief and a Military Imposter. In fairness, he was requested to provide proof of his claimed military medals, also the National Emergency Medal and the Humanitarian Overseas Medal. He was also requested to provide proof of his claimed status of Professor.

He chose not to respond on both occasions, however, immediately removed his Facebook page containing all the bemedalled photographs.

Hepi has been observed on numerous occasions at various locations throughout Australia wearing the medal racks on Anzac Days and other remembrance days.

Perhaps Hepi can now add this article to his curriculum vitai for future reference and employment prospects.

DREW DALE UP DATE – MAY 2020

Our initial exposure of Drew DALE revealed a despicable piece of work who knowingly stole the image of a decorated Vietnam Veteran and claimed it as his own. He also falsely wore service decorations and badges that he has no entitlement to.

During the investigation into DALE, our researcher formed the view that there were some more ‘skeleton’s in his cupboard” and these suspicions have proven to be correct.

We now have irrefutable evidence that DALE is a fraud and a convicted fraud at that.

We now know that in 2008, whilst serving as an Army Reserve (Ares) Lieutenant on Full Time Service (FTS), he was charged by the Queensland Police for several fraud offences relating to forged documents, particularly a university degree and false statements that enabled him to join the Army Reserve and subsequently undergo Officer training. His unit at the time, 7 CSSB, issued him a Notice to Show Cause for discharge, he did not respond to that formal document, rather he offered to resign his commission, believing that would resolve the matter. He was wrong.

Due to the ongoing investigation by both the Australian Defence Force Investigations Service (ADFIS) and Queensland Police Service (QPS), Army held his discharge in abeyance. He was convicted and actually received a prison sentence. His service in the Australian Defence Force was then terminated (circa 2009). He only ever reached the rank of Lieutenant, not Captain as depicted in his photograph. He served in the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC), never Royal Australian Infantry (RAInf) despite being photographed in uniform, wearing the infantry corps badge. As we reported in our initial exposure. He never deployed. The only medal he may be entitled to is the Australian Defence medal (ADM).

He most definitely is a fraud and convicted criminal.

The level of his deceit is breath-taking and his claims of being in receipt of a TPI pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs must be investigated.

He has clearly committed offences against the Defence Act 1903

Defence Act 1903, where he is in breach of Part VII Sections 80A and 80B, which state there is a maximum penalty of $3,300 fine and six months imprisonment or both for:

80A. Falsely representing to be returned soldier, sailor or airman

80B. Improper use of service decorations

DEFENCE ACT 1903 - SECT 80A
Falsely representing to be returned soldier, sailor or airman
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
(a) the person represents himself or herself to be a returned soldier, sailor or airman; and

(b) the representation is false.

Penalty: 30 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.

(2) For the purposes of this section:
(a) returned soldier means a person who has served abroad during any war as a member of any Military Force raised in Australia or in any other part of the British Empire, or as a member of the Military Forces of any Ally of Great Britain;
(b) returned sailor means a person who has served abroad during any war as a member of any Naval Force raised in Australia or in any other part of the British Empire, or as a member of the Naval Forces of any Ally of Great Britain; and
(c) returned airman means a person who has served abroad during any war as a member of any Air Force, air service or flying corps raised in Australia or in any other part of the British Empire or as a member of the air forces of any Ally of Great Britain

DEFENCE ACT 1903 - SECT 80B
Improper use of service decorations

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if:
(2)
(a) the person wears a service decoration; and
(b) the person is not the person on whom the decoration was conferred.

Penalty: 30 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.

(2) Where the person upon whom a service decoration was conferred has died, it is not an offence against subsection (1) for a member of the family of that person to wear the service decoration if the member of the family does not represent himself as being the person upon whom the decoration was conferred.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(3) It is not an offence against subsection (1) for a person to wear a service decoration in the course of a dramatic or other visual representation (including such a representation to be televised) or in the making of a cinematograph film.
Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(4) A person shall not falsely represent himself as being the person upon whom a service decoration has been conferred.
Penalty: 30 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.
(5) A person shall not deface or destroy, by melting or otherwise, a service decoration.
Penalty: 60 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both.

Drew DALE is a fraud of the worst kind. He lied to gain his commission in the Australian Army, he has lied about his service by claiming to have deployed overseas and wears medals and badges that he has no entitlement to wear.

He is known to the Queensland Police, hopefully a member of that police force will take an interest in the actions of Drew DALE as outlined by ANZMI and take appropriate action against him. 

****

Case Notes:

Drew DALE is an enigma. He is an author, martial arts expert, computer expert, airman and soldier, or is he? As an author he has written a number of books including 'Engage and Neutralise' and ‘Callsign Albatross’, a ripping yarn “based on real events involving real people” states DALE in the authors review of the book. “It is not an historical account, rather a story about one young man’s experience of service in Australia’s modern Defence Forces” he continues.

Here is DALE’s autobiography. Note the image he has used to identify himself, as that will become relevant shortly.

The actual story line of DALE’s book is not as important as the main character he introduces us too.

“Steve Hill had been working as a Sergeant Loadmaster on C130 Hercules Transport aircraft and had finally secured a place on a Rotary Wing Conversion Course, to train as a helicopter Loadmaster, Crewman and Door Gunner. We pick up Steve’s story at his Rotary Wing Conversion Course Graduation at 5sqn RAAF Fairbairn”

Despite the assertion by DALE that this work is based on real events, his story fails at this first hurdle. In his book, DALE claims that the course was NO 12 Crewman’s Course which graduated from No 5 Squadron (RAAF) in 1974. Records are clear, there were no ex C-130 Loadmasters on that Course. This has been confirmed with sources from the Airman Aircrew Association and RAAF Records.

Perhaps the reader is starting to wonder why this is an issue, does it really matter if the story in DALE’s book crosses from non-fiction to fiction and back again? Normally no, it would not until we learn that DALE is claiming to have been a RAAF Crewman, flying UH-1H Iroquois helicopters with No 9 Squadron – a blatant lie. The clear and unequivocal intent is that DALE would have the reader believe his flying experiences are those that the character ‘Steve Hill’ is based on.

The truth is much more bizarre.

DALE claims to have served for nine (9) years in the RAAF in 1973 and discharged in March 1982 to pursue a career in business. He also claims that he joined the Army Reserve in 2004 or 2005 and was appointed as an Officer after graduating from the Royal Military College Duntroon on 25 March 2007 as the oldest graduate in history. Due to his reported martial arts skills, DALE claims that he was given the opportunity to undertake Close Personal Protection training, a qualification that allowed him to become part of the Close Personal Protection parties for VIPs and General Staff Officers. He has since left the Army Reserve and is in receipt of a Department of Veterans Affairs TPI Pension.

ANZMI has uncovered evidence that proves DALE first joined the Army in 2003 as an Instructor of Cadets with 46 Army Cadet Unit located in Port Augusta, South Australia. He later resigned from the Cadets and was accepted into the Army Reserves in 2005 where he underwent Officer training. By all accounts, DALE was considered a competent officer, but with 'skeletons' in his cupboard.

Here is Captain Drew Dale.

Note that DALE is wearing a RAAF ‘Crewman’ Brevet on his left breast, together with the following decorations:

Australian Active Service Medal (AASM)
Australian Service Medal (ASM)
Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM)
Australian Defence Medal

He is also wearing the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB). The minimum criteria for the award of the ICB can be found on Army's Website and states: Members of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps who, in an infantry posting as part of an Infantry Battalion were deployed for, at least, 90 days to an operational area and subsequently awarded the Infantry Combat Badge.

On the same page of the Website, this statement can be found; You must be individually authorised to wear the ICB. It is an offence under Section 80B of the Defence Act 1903, for a person who wears a service decoration and falsely represents themselves as being the person upon whom a service decoration has been conferred. A Service decoration is defined as "any …badge… that was or may be conferred for …participation in a campaign or other warlike operation… ".

The award of the AASM (post 1975) without a campaign medal is highly doubtful. His claimed RAAF service was 1973 to March, 1982. During this period, there was no prescribed war like areas in that would qualify him for the AASM. (post 1975)

If DALE qualified for an AASM post 2004, he would be wearing a Campaign Medal. The only war like service areas prescribed post 2004 are:

16/07/2003 - 28/07/2009 Operation Catalyst – Iraq
11/10/2001 ongoing Operation Slipper (war on terrorism)
18/4/2003 - ongoing Operation Palate Afghanistan

the ICB if genuinely awarded, has to have been awarded for service in Iraq or Afghanistan and he must meet the criteria and given the lack of campaign medals, it is clear could not have done so. It is highly doubtful that he would have received the AASM without also receiving the appropriate campaign medal, ISAF or UN Medal at the same time and have them court mounted together.

It is possible for him to have an ASM without another medal, e.g. Solomon Islands or have had a posting the RAAF Base Butterworth during his RAAF Service. In such cases he would only receive a clasp. (Solomon Islands) or (SE Asia) both of which are for non-war like service.

As well as the ICB, DALE can be seen wearing an AIRN badge. The silver AIRN badge was introduced for qualifying personnel in 1997.

Of interest to ANZMI is that he does not appear to have been awarded any campaign medals to align with the AASM he wears. DALE has been asked to explain this apparent anomaly, but to-date has refused to do so.  

ANZMI don't doubt that DALE may have served in the RAAF and later joined the Army Reserve as he states, and the evidence confirms his claim that he attended RMC as the 'oldest reserve officer to have completed Officer training'. That is where we have evidence which links him to the Queensland University Regiment (QUR) but there are a number of inconsistencies with his 'military' story.

Here is an image of DALE from his Twitter Page. Note that he is younger, and wearing the badge of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC). In the later picture (above he is wearing the badge of the Royal Australian Regiment. It is plausible that at sometime during this Army Reserve Career, he transferred from the RAAOC to Infantry, but it is highly doubtful he ever deployed as an Infantry Officer.

Nowhere in any of his personal blogs, or career summaries has DALE made any reference to a deployment overseas which would attract the award of the AASM and the ICB (remembering the 90 day requirement). There are no photographs of him in a 'Warlike' pose, whilst on deployment to operational zone that would warrant these awards. The only person who can answer this conundrum is DALE himself. ANZMI has irrefutable evidence that confirms DALE has never deployed overseas, and he has no entitlement to the medals and awards he is wearing, with the exception of the Australian Defence Medal (ADM).

Turning now to the picture that DALE uses to support his claim of being a RAAF UH-1H Crewman.

While the second image is blurred because its size cannot be increased, the reader will see the similarity of the images with that provided below.

He also has used that image (albeit cropped and in colour) on his Facebook Profile Page.

Closer inspection of the image used by DALE (above) raised a number of concerns and there appears to be evidence that the face of person has been cropped or photo shopped. If you examine the black and white image against the colourised version, it can be seen that it is the same photograph. But is it? Here is the genuine image obtained from the records of the Australian War Memorial (AWM).

Above is a genuine image of Cpl Dennis Fredrick Olsen A18781 who flew with No 9Sqn in Vietnam and was awarded a Mentioned in Despatches (MID).

Here are both images together.

It can be seen that the face has been photo shopped onto the pose of Cpl Olsen, but apart from the pose, if you look closely you will see a number of similar points of reference, including teeth (Olsen's teeth are not seen in the original), position of hands, helmet and pilots seat configuration. A closer look will also show that the cropped image failed to remove a small tuft of hair from the top of DALE's head but does appear in the original image.

Clearly, DALE has used an official AWM image from the Vietnam War and firstly, used it to deceive people who purchase his books into believing the image is of himself (hence making it so small). Secondly, and most significantly for ANZMI, he has photo shopped his own image onto an official photograph in order to have people believe he was a RAAF Helicopter Crewman. A role he never had.

DALE has stated in a number of forums that he is a client of DVA and in receipt of a TPI pension. While it is possible to receive this benefit while not having seen active service there must be doubt regarding the circumstances of his injury that DALE provided to DVA to secure his TPI status.

ANZMI has uncovered a series of Facebook posts from DALE to a ‘DVA Entitlements’ page and they make for some interesting reading.
In an early post, DALE sets the scene in by making a call for help which is answered by numerous page followers expressing concern for his welfare.

Of course, DALE can’t talk about his experiences because of Government Policies. How many times has that one been used by a wannabe on our website?

Like all good story tellers though, when pressed DALE is prepared to give us a little bit of his ‘experience’. Does this story sound familiar?

Trouble is, DALE was never in the jungle setting claymore mines. But here’s the kicker, if you follow the link he provides in his post, it will take you a place where you can buy his books!

Facebook can be a trap for the wannabe, and DALE is no exception. A simple question about his flying career in the RAAF exposed him for what he is. The aircraft in the photograph DALE uses as his own is a UH-1B (Bravo) model Iroquois, not a D model as he states. The RAAF did fly UH-1D’s for a short time before they were superseded by the UH-1H, all of this occurring before DALE even joined the RAAF. If he were a Crewman as he states, he would have known that.

Author's Note: In the post (above) we believe Diana's should be DVA and is a case of Facebook Auto Correcting his text.

Drew DALE is a fraud and a wannabe. He wears a prestigious RAAF Aircrew Brevet without any entitlement to do so. He wears Honours and Awards which he has no entitlement in the form of the ICB and Crewmans Brevet and medals which are doubtful and worse still, he has used a genuine image of a RAAF Vietnam hero to advance his own personal gain.

Drew DALE has claimed to be in receipt of a TPI Pension form DVA. If he is prepared to photo shop his image onto a genuine photograph of a decorated Veteran simply to perpetuate the lie that he was a RAAF Helicopter Crewman, and wear medals and awards which he has no entitlement, what else has he done? ANZMI can only wonder what stories were spun to gain that benefit and will be reporting him to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

There is nothing lower than a valour thief and Drew DALE is definitely that. He may have had limited success as an author putting his spin on words, but let’s see him spin his way of our Website.

Oscar would not get an Oscar, for his portrayal of an Australian Army Officer.

Oscar advertises his charms to lure vulnerable ladies and maybe gentlemen to his lair on a dating website, known as "Bumble" . Here is a graphic display of his persona wearing the "uniform" of an Australian Army Colonel.

Notice that Oscar's uniform is out of synchronicity. He has failed to wear his lanyard, wears two different collar badges, and is bereft of two Colonel's collar Gorgets. Oscar wears the fake uniform to prove his claims, that he is an Army Jet Pilot, who has flown off Air Craft Carriers. The photograph in fact proves that he is not an Australian Army Colonel.

Oscar needs to be more diligent with his subterfuge, as any Army recruit can pick the anomalies. The simple ones are:

There are no Jet aircraft in the Australian Army and never has been.
If there were, no person of the rank of Colonel would be a "Jet Jockey"
Claims to have been at Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1983. He was not there.
Wears "Tom Cruise" sunglasses as explained below:

Oscar is also a Search and Rescue Chopper pilot when he is not zipping on and off aircraft carrier decks:

Whilst Oscar's machinations are hilariously funny to any reasonable person, there is the down side to this behaviour. Oscar brings the Defence and ex Defence fraternities, into disrepute with the audacious lies told on Bumble. His behaviour is dishonest, and brings disrespect to vulnerable people, who innocently respond to his ridiculous impersonation of an Australian Army Officer.

We have published this, without knowing Oscar's surname, however, we are confident that he will be identified, and he can be humiliated in the same manner he intended to humiliate vulnerable respondents to the Bumble website.

Oscar is grounded with ignominy.

Graham Larkham of Penrith has no need to enhance his military service and tell lies, however for reasons known only to him he does.

Notice that Larkam wears:

Head
1 2 Cavalry Beret and Badge.

Left breast.
2. Australian Service Medal (ASM) - Not entitled
3. National Police Service Medal.
4. National Medal.
5 Australian Defence Medal.
6 Anniversary of National Service Medal.

Right breast.
7. NSW Police Medal.

Here is the offending medal:

Larkham genuinely served as a National Serviceman during the period of the Vietnam war. When asked about his service by a researcher, Larkham said, he had been deployed to Vietnam with 2 Cavalry Regiment, and had embarked for Vietnam, aboard HMAS Sydney. He continued to say that enroute, the ship docked at Shoalwater Bay Queensland, and 2 Cavalry Regiment were off loaded. For his unsuccessful deployment to Vietnam, he wears the ASM, and claims it was awarded by Department of Honours and Awards.

As Larkham refuses to provide any further information about his Vietnam "near miss" we are unable to discern which clasp is attached to the ASM.

We are advised by 2 Cav historians that the Vietnam story is well known but is a "barrack room myth" that did not happen.

As evidenced by his Police medals one would expect that Larkham would be a pillar of society, instead of a medals cheat, who tells lies. He has committed two criminal acts against the Defence Act 1903 Part VII Sectionss 80A and 80B for falsely claiming to be a returned Veteran and wearing a medal that has not been awarded.

Larkham also holds senior positions as Secretary for the Penrith NSW RSL and the Penrith National Servicemen's Association.

Larkham is not a fit an proper person to hold such positions of trust, and we urge both organizations to expel him with ignominy.

He will however been elected as secretary of cheats and wannabes at ANZMI Barracks where he is among many others of his ilk.

Footnote:
There are numerous former Australian National Servicemen who appear on the ANZMI website, who have falsely embellished their service. A few years ago, in New South Wales, a National Servicemen's Association Protocol Officer was appointed to rectify this growing problem. He has worked tirelessly to educate recalcitrant members of the Association to comply with Governor Generals medal wearing protocols. It appears that he still has much work to do.