A Victorian serviceman and former RSL president has been charged after being exposed allegedly wearing fake war medals.
It’s alleged Portarlington man Darren McDonald fabricated his returned service history, falsely presenting himself as a returned soldier.
The former Portarlington and St Leonards RSL sub-branch President was stood down from his post after other veterans uncovered the alleged offending.
Victoria Police have charged McDonald, 58, for improper use of defence service decoration.
The alleged offending has angered local veterans who claimed McDonald had stolen their service.
President of the Aussie Veterans Association and former Cambodian veteran David Menz said he took the matter to the police.
It’s believed McDonald served 10 years in the army but never served overseas.
“He’s a medal thief, he’s a fake, he stole my service allegedly,” Menz said.
It is a criminal offence for a person to wear a service decoration which was not conferred on them or to falsely represent themselves as such, with the maximum penalty including jail.
RSL Victoria told 9News McDonald’s membership had been rescinded.
Veteran Michael Galea said he didn’t understand why anyone would allegedly lie about serving.
”It makes me feel really, really angry,” he said.
“He has the same medals I do, so that just made me feel frustrated that someone would actually try to do that.
“I don’t understand why.”
McDonald did not comment on the allegations.
