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Denis Wanihi after receiving his medal. - Source: ONE News -
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Three New Zealanders who have experienced life in the firing
line were honoured at a service in Wellington today.
Two soldiers, recognised for their service in Afghanistan, were
joined by the first western journalist to interview Osama Bin
Laden, Peter Arnett.
Warrant Officer Denis Wanihi served alongside American soldiers in Afghanistan, searching for bombs and clues about who made them.
Today he was honoured at Government House, receiving the New Zealand Gallantry Medal from Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
"It was an eye opener compared to New Zealand and the low activity we have here...but I just trusted myself to do the job," he said of his role in the war zone.
Warrant Officer Chris Wilson received the Distinguished Service Decoration for his role in the firefight that followed the explosion which killed lieutenant Tim O'Donnell.
O'Donnell, 28, was killed when his three-vehicle patrol was attacked with explosives, rocket propelled grenades and gunfire in north-east Bamiyan Province in 2010
Arnett was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for
services to journalism in the Queen's Birthday Honours.