COMMENDATION MEDAL OF MERIT AND HONOUR
The Commendation Medal of Merit and Honour is the highest Commendation currently awarded to active duty service members of the Hellenic Armed Forces. Instituted in May 1991 by Greek Presidential Decree no. 192 it is awarded in one class to General Officers who have meritoriously commanded Army, Navy or Air Force Formations or rendered exceptional services to the Armed Forces or the Fatherland. It is also awarded to Foreign Officers (active or reserve) for exceptionally meritorious services to the Hellenic armed Forces or the Nation. The first awards were made during the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Crete and were presented by the Greek Defence Minister Mr Ioannis Varvitsiotis to 9 British, 4 Australian and 5 New Zealand veterans. Those listed below are reported to have recieved the medal, however only the medals to Hinton and Upham have been confirmed to date.
The Medal is a gilt medallion, the obverse of which depicts a likeness of Hellas holding a laurel wreath. The reverse of all Commendation Medals is the same, bearing the emblem of the Hellenic Defence General Staff a design of a crossed anchor, pilots brevet and an ancient Greek helmet, below which is inscribed '1991'. The medal is pendent on a riband of equal broad stripes of Navy Blue, Red and Light Blue, all separated by narrow stripes of white.
COMMENDATION MEDAL OF MERIT AND HONOUR
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Sir Charles Moihi BENNETT
For distinguished services in operations during World War II. Born Rotorua 27 July 1913. CO 28 (Maori) Battalion 1941 to 43, served Greece and Crete 1941. Wounded in action 1943 and repatriated to NZ. Later Sir Charles Bennett Kt, DSO, NZ High Commissioner to Malaya 1959 to 63, and President NZ Labour Party 1970 to 72.
Sergeant (Ret.) John (Jack) Daniel HINTON VC
For distinguished services in operations during World War II. Born Colac Bay, Southland 17 September 1909. Member 20 Battalion, wounded, taken POW and awarded VC in action at Kalamata, Greece 29 April 1941.
Rev Henry Ivor HOPKINS
For distinguished services in operations during World War II. Born Dunedin 30 August 1908. Forces chaplain 1939 to 1945, taken POW Crete 1941. Later Rev. Hopkins OBE, mid, Honorary Cannon Christchurch Cathedral 1972.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) H.M. McELROY
For distinguished services in operations during World War II
Vice Admiral Somerford F TEAGLE
Chief of New Zealand Defence force for his contribution in
strengthening the Hellenic - New Zealand Friendship. Born Lower Hutt
9 June 1938. Royal Naval College Dartmouth 1956 to 58. Chief of Naval
Staff 1989 to 91. Later Vice Admiral Sir Somerford Teagle KBE, Chief
of New Zealand Defence Force 1992 to 95.
Captain (Ret.) Charles UPHAM VC
For distinguished services in operations during World War II. [Medal Group]
Arthur Stanley HELM
For distinguished services in operations during World War II. Later Mr
Helm MBE, QSO.