HMAS Hobart had already lost Gun Mount 52 and radar capacity. An enemy aircraft had already fired off a few Sparrow air-to-air missiles and was bearing down towards the bow of the ship for the finale.

The three men in Mount 51 were swift to act, firing off three rounds after losing remote power.

The aircraft was bearing closer. If it fired another missile at that range, at that angle, Hobart was done for.

With only local power, he was the only person on board the destroyer capable of firing back. So Digger Cleak fired.

It may be 35 years since Mr Cleak's involvement in the Vietnam War, but the memories are still with him. So are the questions.

Why was the aircraft firing American-made missiles, issued only a few weeks before? Was the aircraft also American, or was it a Russian-built MIG? A pair of US pilots claimed responsibility, but were they only scape-goats? How could one of nine ships steaming in formation be confused with communist helicopters on a radar screen and be attacked by their air force?

Mr Cleak is no closer to having his questions answered. Many war veterans are looking for answers, most will never find them. What they do find is solace in the camaraderie offered by the Returned and Services League.

It was for services to the community, particularly through the RSL, that Mr Cleak was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honours List this week. It was a fitting token of the community's acknowledgment of his 25 years with the Scouting movement, his time with the RSL, and his services to numerous committees including the City of Albany Seniors Advisory Committee.

"I like to be involved. I always enjoy a challenge," he said. "I'm proud to have been able to work with a lot of very talented people throughout scouting and the RSL. If I've done that in a leadership capacity, I hope my leadership style has been acceptable."

"The award really would not have been possible without the contribution of all the people throughout the years, particularly the support and understanding of my wife Kay. It's not easy living with a Vietnam veteran."