A Townsville veteran who served in post-war Japan after it was devastated by two atomic bombs has been recognised for his service, 73 years on.
Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer (retired) Thomas Campbell served with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) as a radio operator after Japan's surrender in 1945.
Australian troops served with British and Commonwealth forces as part of the post-WWII occupying force.
Mr Campbell was awarded the Australian Service Medal (Japan clasp) by Wing Commander Phil Godfrey at the event in Townsville.
The 91-year-old said today's ceremony was a special occasion after such a long wait.
"I'd given up all hope … I was meant to be dead by now. I'm 91 and will be 92 in July," he said.
Although BCOF veterans were eligible for the service medals in 1997, Mr Campbell was not made aware of the distinction.
"He didn't realise, he lost touch with his old mates, but it was triggered last year when the Government awarded DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) support for BCOF veterans," said his son Matthew Campbell.
The Federal Government last year allocated funding for health benefits to veterans who had served with the BCOF.
Matthew Campbell said his father was one of the few remaining members of the force who had fought for recognition and veterans' benefits for decades.
"The bill which went through Parliament … one of the final paragraphs said 'sadly, very few members would benefit from this', which is pretty telling," he said.
Wing Commander Godfrey, who presented the service medals to Mr Campbell, said the award recognised one of the lesser-known chapters of Australia's military history.
"He's gone into Japan at a very unique time, after two atomic bombs have been dropped," Wing Commander Godfrey said.
"He saw the destruction first hand, so for a young person that would have been quite hard to deal with. But his efforts after the war has helped Japan to be where it is today.
"Even for myself … probably not understanding the history of what our servicemen and women did after the war, it's a valuable contribution."
Mr Campbell said he will display his medals on his wall at home and planned to take part in this year's Anzac Day march in Townsville.
