New Zealand entertainers who entertained Allied troops during the Vietnam War in 1975 may now be recognised through the New Zealand Defence Force.

Kiwi entertainers will be awarded the New Zealand General Service medal 1992 with clasp ‘Vietnam' and the New Zealand Operational Service medal.

Entertainers will be awards with the New Zealand General Service medal with ‘Vietnam' clasp and the New Zealand Operational Service medal.

To be eligible for the award, performers must have been New Zealand citizens at the time of service and have performed in Vietnam for more than 30 days between 1965 and 1972.

New Zealand entertainers performed in Vietnam for six to 12 months at a time and performing up to 20 shows a week.

Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating says non-military New Zealanders such as medical support staff and humanitarian workers, played crucial roles during the conflict and often in dangerous situations as travelling between performance venues were dangerous risks.

'It's timely that, in the 50^th anniversary year of the Vietnam War, these New Zealand entertainers are recognised for their service in supporting Allied troops in Vietnam.”

Members of the Maori Quin Tikis, the Maori Te Kiwis, the Maori Ambassadors, the Maori Volcanics, the Maori HyMarques and the Maori Travellieres show bands who entertain troops in Vietnam are encouraged to contact the NZDF to accept the medals on member's behalf.

Tim says it's especially poignant for those families of the entertainers who have passed.

'We hope that the families will view these medals as we in the NZDF do, they are taonga (treasures) inherent with the mana of the person they are awarded to,” says Tim.

'We will remember them.”

Entertainers and their family members who have had their eligibility for medallic recognition confirmed will be able to attend the 50^th anniversary commemoration of the War wearing their medals. The commemorations take place on Thursday, August 18, in Wellington.

For personal and family enquires about eligibility of New Zealand entertainers during the War, contact NZDF Personnel archives and medals by emailing nzdf.pam@nzdf.mil.nz with 'Showbands in Vietnam” in the subject header by Friday, June 24, at 5pm.