Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced that the Papua New Guinean men and women known as Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels will receive a medal in honor of their work with Australian troops during World War II.
“We’ll be issuing medallions … to honor the service and the sacrifice of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who are so much part and parcel of our ability to prevail in the New Guinea campaign in the darkest days of World War II”, Mr. Rudd said at a joint press conference with Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare in Canberra on April 29.
About 55,000 Papua New Guineans served during the war in duties including carrying supplies, building airfields and evacuating the sick and wounded.
Mr. Rudd, who was joined by two surviving Angels, acknowledged the support of the Papua New Guineans during the war saying, “All of us in Australia know full well the enormous support, practical support, and friendship extended to Australian diggers during the last war by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.”
Sir Michael said he was very proud to be in Australia for the announcement.
“Our people take great pride in the support they have given,” he said.
The Angels or their widows and widowers will be eligible for the medal, which features the image of a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel helping a wounded Australian along the Kokoda Track.
The PNG citizens, particularly the Koiari people who were amongst the most active in the Kokoda regions, can apply for the medallions through the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.
Louise Markus, shadow minister for Veterans Affairs, welcomed the announcement saying recognition was long overdue and was first put forward by the Coalition back in June 2008.
“These men carried medical supplies, food, and the wounded over some of the most rugged terrain in the world, in a harsh and hostile environment,” she said.
“But it didn’t stop there. After the battle was over, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels continued to help Australian soldiers build huts, bridges, tracks, and carry supplies.
“The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels have a special place in Australia’s wartime history and their story is an inspiration.”
