A Quirindi veteran has received a commemorative medallion to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.
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Quirindi RSL Sub-branch members and New England MP Barnaby Joyce presented Cyril Barwick with his medallion on Friday.
The 103-year-old was in the Australian Army for more than six years after enlisting on July 18, 1940. He was a private and served in New Guinea, the Middle East and Africa, before discharging with the 2/4 Australian Infantry Battalion.
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Quirindi RSL president Doug Hawkins said Mr Barwick typified the true-blue characteristics of Aussie diggers.
"He's one of those humble, knockabout blokes - tough as nails too," Mr Hawkins said.
Mr Joyce thanked Mr Barwick for his service "in defence of the freedoms we're all lucky to share in Australia today".
"We are forever grateful for your contribution to the war effort which has allowed generations of Australians to go about their daily lives amid relative peace and safety," Mr Joyce said.
The commemorative medallion is available to all living WWII veterans and is presented in a display case.
- Second World War veterans or their families, can contact Barnaby Joyce's electorate office on 6761 3080 to apply for a medallion, or apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion
