Honours & Awards
Selling of Medals
In 1992 Peterson moved from Cairns to Bangkok and set up a business consulting company. At 75 Peterson was diagnosed with cancer. Interestingly, he sold his 13 medals and battle honours for approximately $100,000 – $150,000. Having lived in Bangkok for many years, his reason for selling was to support his business consulting company and those who worked for it. He explained how these people had become his “de facto family” and had looked after him for the last 18 years. Peterson expected to be criticised for not donating the medals to Australian history archives but did what he thought was best, explaining “I don’t march to the same drum as others”.
Medals:
Medals:
- Military Cross (1965)
- Australian Active Service Medal (Vietnam, Malaysia, Malaya)
- General Service Medal
- Campaign Service Medal
- Vietnam Medal
- Australian Service Medal
- Australian Defence Force Service Medal
- Australian National Medal
- Australian Defence Medal
- Australian Anniversary of national Service medal
- South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with two silver stars)
- South Vietnam Medal
- Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal
- Australian Active Service Medal (Vietnam, Malaysia, Malaya)
- General Service Medal
- Campaign Service Medal
- Vietnam Medal
- Australian Service Medal
- Australian Defence Force Service Medal
- Australian National Medal
- Australian Defence Medal
- Australian Anniversary of national Service medal
- South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with two silver stars)
- South Vietnam Medal
- Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal
What Peterson's service means to me:
Peterson’s career in the Australian Army is truly outstanding. He has demonstrated such refined officer qualities that all junior officers should aspire to.
His devotion to duty and ability to accept and respect other’s differences and culture earned him great respect from local Vietnamese tribes. While at times unpleasant he accepted the local culture and traditions. On the contrary, Peterson explains of the American’s somewhat forceful and arrogant approach to the Vietnamese and how this this lost America respect from the locals, hindering an effective relationship.
Peterson’s success can be largely attributed to his ability to develop respect and support from his troops. He always put his soldiers first, fighting for their needs. When in command of Charlie Company he demanded for facilities and equipment to ensure their comfort and safety. Similarly, he ensured his Montagnard force was treated fairly and that they were well equipped. "Members of the Truong Son Force were paid, willing volunteers”. This kind of ‘others before self’ attitude defined him as a leader.
Peterson accepted responsibility and never backed down from a challenge. Importantly, he always stood for what he believed for and spoke up when there was a conflict of action or inaction.
Peterson’s service to the nation is something we should all be proud of and ever thankful for. His biography makes it clear that he devoted his life to serving our country.
The qualities referenced above are all ones I wish to employ and live by as a developing leader. Peterson’s story has provided me with motivation to succeed and strengthened my passion towards the Australian Defence Force and serving our country. It is compelling to hear of these remarkable stories of our past and what those before us have achieved. It makes me wonder of the possibilities ahead and the opportunity still to come.
This project has served as an excellent opportunity to learn about our past. In addition to this, I now have an increased knowledge of the Vietnam War and Australia's involvement.
His devotion to duty and ability to accept and respect other’s differences and culture earned him great respect from local Vietnamese tribes. While at times unpleasant he accepted the local culture and traditions. On the contrary, Peterson explains of the American’s somewhat forceful and arrogant approach to the Vietnamese and how this this lost America respect from the locals, hindering an effective relationship.
Peterson’s success can be largely attributed to his ability to develop respect and support from his troops. He always put his soldiers first, fighting for their needs. When in command of Charlie Company he demanded for facilities and equipment to ensure their comfort and safety. Similarly, he ensured his Montagnard force was treated fairly and that they were well equipped. "Members of the Truong Son Force were paid, willing volunteers”. This kind of ‘others before self’ attitude defined him as a leader.
Peterson accepted responsibility and never backed down from a challenge. Importantly, he always stood for what he believed for and spoke up when there was a conflict of action or inaction.
Peterson’s service to the nation is something we should all be proud of and ever thankful for. His biography makes it clear that he devoted his life to serving our country.
The qualities referenced above are all ones I wish to employ and live by as a developing leader. Peterson’s story has provided me with motivation to succeed and strengthened my passion towards the Australian Defence Force and serving our country. It is compelling to hear of these remarkable stories of our past and what those before us have achieved. It makes me wonder of the possibilities ahead and the opportunity still to come.
This project has served as an excellent opportunity to learn about our past. In addition to this, I now have an increased knowledge of the Vietnam War and Australia's involvement.