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John Masters - Source: ONE News -
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He has been dubbed a man of courage, comradeship, compassion and commitment, and on Saturday Lieutenant Colonel John Masters was officially given the title of New Zealand's first ever Anzac of the Year.
The 75-year-old is suffering from cancer and was too sick to attend a ceremony in Auckland on Tuesday, so on Saturday dignitaries, his family, and comrades took the ceremony to him in Christchurch.
Chief of Defence Jerry Mateparae says it is nearly impossible to paint a picture of Masters that can do justice to the services he has given his country and veteran community.
Back in 1965, he heroically rescued a wounded Ghurkha soldier under heavy fire in Borneo, earning himself a military cross.
He later served as a commander in Vietnam. Once back in New Zealand he continued to fight - this time for those affected by Agent Orange.
Kevin Brown from the Canterbury RSA says he is the most respected ex-servicemen he knows of in Canterbury.
And the fight continues for Masters who is now battling cancer after being exposed to Agent Orange.
His coveted prize is a specially designed 60kg bronze statue based on the famous Gallipoli image of a man and a donkey.
For the next year it will be in Masters' care and after that it will be handed on to the next Anzac of the Year.
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