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A World War II veteran has been presented with his service medals 80 years after serving on the home front.
Harry Neal, who turns 100 this weekend, manned an artillery gun on the Hawkesbury to protect against the threat of a Japanese submarine invasion.
But Sydney’s forgotten soldier was never awarded his service medal, and he never told his son Jim he served in the war.
“It was of no interest to them, I don’t think,” Harry told 9News.
When Jim found out about his father’s service a few months ago, he contacted the defence department to organise some long overdue recognition.
Today, Harry was presented with his shiny service medal, surrounded by family and friends at his Toongabbie care home in Sydney’s west.
“Wonderful recognition… I’m proud to receive it,” Harry said.