First medallion awarded to PNG Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel

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Updated July 24, 2009 08:29:06

It has taken more than sixty years, but yesterday the first medallion was awarded to a Papua New Guinea's Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel in recognition of his heroism in helping Australian soldiers during World War Two. Eighty-six year old Wesley Akove was one of about fifty thousand Papuan and Papua New Guinean villagers who risked their lives delivering supplies and carrying wounded Diggers to safety.

The Australian Government wants other Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, or their surviving relatives, to apply for a medallion. But many veterans say the award is too little, too late.

Presenter: Samantha Donovan
Speaker: Peter Holloway, retired Anglican priest and WWII machine gunner; Guy Barnett, Australian Liberal senator; Alan Griffin, Australia's Minister for Veterans' Affairs

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