Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
28 October 2025
Distinguished Service Decorations - December 2025
The Governor-General is pleased to announce the following Distinguished Service Decorations:
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM)
Lieutenant Colonel Graeme Kingsley CHAPMAN (Retd)
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as the Officer Commanding C Company, 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment in South Vietnam in February 1968.
Colonel John Richard JAMES (Retd)
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as platoon commander A company (Minus) The 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during the Battle of Hat Dich on 21 August 1969.
COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Mr Dennis Wayne TOWNSEND
For distinguished performance of duty as the Number Two Machine Gunner with 9 Section, 6 Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during a platoon ambush in South Vietnam on 15 December 1970.
By Her Excellency’s command
Gerard Martin PSM
Official Secretary to the Governor-General