RAF hero battles MoD for overdue medal after Cold War mission

In the United Kingdom, Squadron Leader ‘Pete’ Peters, aged 92, has been receiving supportive care at home while he fights the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a nuclear test medal that has eluded him and his fellow veterans for 70 years. Peters is the sole survivor of a small unit that flew dangerous missions through nuclear clouds during the Cold War, particularly operations involving American H-bomb tests orchestrated in the Pacific. All of his comrades have died, many from cancer linked to these missions, leaving Peters as the last reminder of their sacrifice. In recent years, a five-year campaign, led by the Mirror, succeeded in gaining recognition for some veterans of Britain's nuclear testing program, with medals awarded in 2023. However, the MoD excluded Peters and others from receiving similar honors, which Peters decries as a deeply unjust oversight. The Defence Secretary has promised a review, but there remains no timeline for a decision, adding to Peters' frustration as Remembrance Sunday, scheduled for November 10, 2024, approaches. Peters emphasized the urgency of rectifying this oversight, expressing his hope for recognition at the remembrance event. Currently suffering from degenerative lung disease and reliant on oxygen, he believes failing to acknowledge his comrades before more time passes is an insult to their contributions. The broader implications of this situation raise important questions about how veterans of high-risk operations are recognized and honored by government agencies. The situation continues to unfold as Peters and various advocates push for justice for those who served and sacrificed significantly.