Americans get medals for help after Erebus crash

New Zealand today formally thanked those Americans who helped in the aftermath of the Erebus disaster.

A number of US service personnel based in Antarctica were involved in searching for the missing Air New Zealand DC10 when it slammed into Mt Erebus while on a sightseeing flight on November 28, 1979. All 257 passengers and crew died.

They also assisted with body recovery and identification once the crash site was located.

When New Zealand police officers and civilians involved in the recovery mission were honoured last year, former US Navy photographer, Richard L Horton, spoke out against the lack of recognition for the American efforts.

In Washington today Commodore David Anson, head of New Zealand Defence Staff in Washington, acknowledged their "personal courage and commitment in a ghastly task" as the New Zealand Special Service Medal was presented to 13 people .

He noted there were a number of US personnel who were not on hand to receive their medals.

"The job of locating all the recipients of this award is not yet complete, and we still have another 20 or so to find and formally recognise."

Retired New Zealand Police sergeant Mark Penn, the last searcher to leave Mount Erebus, spoke during the ceremony about the tragedy, the difficulty faced by all who were involved in Operation Overdue .

A video message from Prime Minister John Key was also played.

- NZPA