Medals back in the Wright hands

A DELIGHTED John Wright was officially reunited with his set of Vietnam War medals yesterday (Wednesday).
The gathering at the Cranbourne RSL saw the stolen medals returned to Mr Wright after 20 long years.
“I’m very happy to get them back,” he said.
Mr Wright enjoyed catching up and reminiscing with Patrick Flynn, who served with Mr Wright at Vietnam, and Rod Charles, both national service men.
Last week the News reported that Mr Wright’s friend Denny Van Maanenberg reunited the war veteran with the priceless medals.
The medals were stolen 20 years ago after they were left in a caravan which was taken from Mr Wright’s carport.
Mr Van Maanenberg, who volunteers at the Casey Regional Veterans Welfare Centre, was handed the stolen medals after they were found abandoned shortly after a Remembrance Day parade last year.
With the help of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Mr Van Maanenberg tracked down the owner using the details inscribed on the medals.
Mr Van Maanenberg said he was stunned to discover that the medals belonged to Mr Wright.
“I used to drink with him at the Berwick RSL, it was amazing,” he said.
Mr Wright, 63, said he was genuinely surprised to receive the good news.
He said the medals had worn considerably since he last saw them, as they were still in the original display box when they were stolen.
Mr Wright said he was getting replicas made of his medals and intended to get them restored.
“Then I’m going to get the originals locked away,” he said.