Fake Vietnam veteran teacher charged over war medal fraud

By Kay Dibben, The Courier-Mail

A teacher has been charged with pretending to be a returned serviceman and falsely wearing the Purple Heart and other US medals at a pre-Anzac Day school assembly.

Purple Heart medal

Graeme Arthur “Gosh” O’Shannessy, 63, of Theodore, in central west Queensland, appeared in Biloela Magistrates Court yesterday charged with two Defence Act offences.

The Theodore State School teacher is charged with falsely representing himself as a returned soldier, sailor or airman and improper use of service decorations. O’Shannessy, who has taught in Queensland since 2008, also is charged with unlawful possession of weapons.

It will be alleged that, on April 22, O’Shannessy addressed a school assembly of more than 100 students, teachers and parents about the seven medals he wore.

It is alleged the medals were the Purple Heart, Defence Joint Service Achievement Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Army Distinguished Service Cross.

The Purple Heart is a US medal awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the US military and the Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest US Army award.

It is believed police investigated after a complaint from military impostors watchdog website, ANZMI, which had been contacted by someone at the assembly.

Read the full story by Kay Dibben of the Courier-Mail.