Description
Vietnam Medal, pantograph naming “A112616 SPILLANE B.A.J.”
Australian Defence Force Service Medal, contemporarily burr engraved “B.A.J. SPILLANE A112616”
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, pantograph naming “A112616 SPILLANE B.A.J.”
A fine trio to a long serving Australian serviceman who saw one tour of Vietnam as a clerk admin, later mustering as a R.A.A.F. police investigations SNCOIC, the group never before available for commerce, some enamel chipping on Vietnam Campaign medal, overall Extremely Fine, the first and third medals appear to be later issues (pantograph naming), not replacement/duplicate issues.
Bernard Anthony Spillane, born 24th August 1945 in Brisbane, late student of Padua College, Brisbane and the husband of Patricia May Spillane. Attested for service with the R.A.A.F. on the 26th February 1965, as Trainee A112616, mustering as a Clerk Administrative for Recruiting Staff, Unit Base Support Flight.
- Promoted Aircrewman (SUBS) 27th August 1965
- Promoted Aircrewman 26th October 1965
Served one tour in Vietnam, 12th June 1966 until 12th June 1967.
- Promoted Leading Aircrewman (LAC) 31st May 1968
Re-attested for the R.A.A.F. 19th May 1972, mustering as Security Patrol, Security Flight Management
- Promoted Corporal 29th March 1973
- 1973-1976 Mobile Security Patrol Duties at Base Squadron, Darwin
- Promoted Sergeant 1st July 1979
- 1980 – on two occasions earned commendations from AVM IADS “for presentation and performance”
- 4th December 1979 arrived to posting in Penang, Malaysia, accompanied by wife and daughter, for period of 2 years 6 months service
- 1981 – “Sgt. Spillane proved himself capable and competent; moreover, performed very well” in regards to RAAFPOL Penang Patrol Duties (Malaysia)
- 1982 transferred to unit BSWLM, mustering as R.A.A.F. POLIN (RAAF Police Investigations Section) – employed as SNCOIC (senior non-commissioned officer in charge) in the following capacities:
- Investigating and reporting criminal, drug and general incidents and police enquiries of RAAF personnel
- Civil Conviction reporting and court attending
- Security Surveys and reporting
- Liaison with law enforcement
- Compilation and despatch of all police reports
- Duty Security Controller duties
- “SGT Spillane is a willing worker who can be relied on to apply a common-sense approach to difficult situations. He is most dependable and as a RAAFPOLIN has displayed superior trade knowledge. He is always immaculate in his dress and bearing and sets a fine example in this respect.” RB PITT (1984 annual report)
Bernard Anthony Spillane discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force 18th May 1987.