Australian Service Contingents 1 and 2 for Operation Tamar in Rwanda have been awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation today.
Operation Tamar was Australia’s contribution to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, which consisted of sending in two contingents roughly 700 Australian Defense Force (ADF) soldiers to provide medical assistance and protection to the medics
Veterans and Defense Personnel Minister Darren Chester said from 1994 to 1996 it is estimated that more than 800,000 innocent civilians in Rwanda were murdered by armed militias and trained military forces attracting global attention and condemnation.
“The men and women of Australian Service Contingents 1 and 2 demonstrated extraordinary courage, discipline and compassion in the performance of their duties and on behalf of their country we recognise their meritorious service,” Mr Chester said.
On the 25th anniversary of Australian Service Contingent 1 arriving in Rwanda, the Governor General, His Excellency the Honorable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), today gazetted the Meritorious Unit Citation award.
Members must have finished 30 days of service on Operation Tamar between the dates of 25 July 1994 and 8 March 1996 in order to be qualified to wear the citation insignia with the Federation Star.
Veterans who think they are qualified are urged to apply through the Defense Medals immediately to the Department of Defence Online Application form.
