A former RSL president and Victorian serviceman was accused after it was discovered that he was reportedly wearing phony war medals.
Darren McDonald, a resident of Portarlington, is accused of fabricating his history of returning duty and misrepresenting himself as a former soldier.
When other veterans discovered the alleged offense, the former president of the RSL subbranch for Portarlington and St. Leonards resigned from office.
McDonald, 58, has been charged by Victoria Police for inappropriate use of a decoration for defense service.
Veterans in the area are incensed about the alleged offense, claiming McDonald stole their benefits.
David Menz, the president of the Australian Veterans Association and a former veteran of Cambodia, said he reported the issue to the police.
McDonald is thought to have spent ten years in the army, but he never saw combat.
“He’s a medal thief, he’s a fake, he stole my service allegedly,” Menz stated.
“It’s disgusting.”
Wearing a service decoration that was not bestowed upon oneself or misrepresenting oneself as such is illegal, and the maximum punishment is imprisonment.
McDonald’s membership had been canceled, RSL Victoria informed them.
Veteran Michael Galea expressed his confusion at why someone would supposedly fabricate a history of service.
“It makes me feel really, really angry,” he stated.
Since he and I both have the same medals, I was irritated that someone would actually attempt to do that.
“I don’t understand why.”
