Three locals have received awards in this years Queens Birthday Honour list, they are Daniel O'Brien from Federal, Dr Austin Curtain from Tregeagle and Lyn Larsen from Tuntable Creek.

Daniel O'Brien has received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

"I was very surprised to receive the award, it came as quite a shock", Daniel told the Lismore App, "I find volunteering very rewarding and now this has happened I think volunteers can be recognised by their communities".

His story is one that many of you will not know.

Daniel has been recognised for his work with war veterans and their families. However, this is not the usual war veterans that you see and think of at ANZAC time but the unknown veterans that in World War II fought for the Unites States Army during the South Pacific Campaign. These soldiers fought for the United States Army because they were not eligible to fight for Australia for age reasons or medical reasons but were quietly, actively recruited by the Australian Government.

"There were kids as young as 15 and as old as 80", Daniel said, "not only that, there were disabled people too, some one armed and one legged soldiers fighting in New Guinea. Anyone who didn't fit the mould"

The problem over the years has been that the Australian Government has not recognised these veterans were part of the Australian War cause and this is where where Daniel comes in to the picture.

Daniel works on behalf of the US Army Small Ships Association to gain recognition for their war efforts for veterans and their families. Not necessarily for financial support but just recognition like any other Australian soldier would receive.

Daniel said "This is a community award. There are still hundreds of men that remain unrecognised and some carry shame and resentment with their war efforts".

(Walsh Bay, Sydney war memorial plaque)

"If anyone believes their ancestors served with the US forces during World War II they are most welcome to contact me at secretary@usarmysmallships.asn.org.

For more information on the US Army Small Ships Association push on this link http://www.usarmysmallships.asn.au/.

"I've been fighting the government for 15 years", Daniel commented, "and I will continue to fight until every soldier is identified and gains recognition for their war efforts".