Major Frank Rennie is New Zealander of the Year for 1955 for his role in founding the SAS, which has become the premier combat unit of the Defence Force.
Rennie, a military instructor in World War II, led the SAS during the communist insurgency in what was then Malaya. He was awarded the Military Cross and mentioned in despatches.
Rennie set the foundations for the elite unit which has earned itself a high international reputation for its abilities in unconventional warfare.
SAS troops are trained to operate overseas in difficult conditions, often for long periods. At home they have a counter-terrorism role in support of the police.
The unit has seen action in Borneo, Indonesia, Vietnam and Afghanistan where Corporal Willie Apiata's valour in saving a wounded comrade saw him awarded the VC.
