New Zealanders also served in the original Special Air Service force during World War II. The NZSAS can trace its roots back to the famous Long Range Desert Group, a British/Commonwealth army unit which fought in the North African desert in World War II. It has the responsibility of conducting counter-terrorism and overseas special operations and performing the disposal of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive hazards for military and civilian authorities. The NZSAS was accorded regimental status in 2013. In 2004, the unit was awarded the United States Presidential Unit Citation for its contribution in Afghanistan. Individual members of the NZSAS have received honours and awards, most notably the Victoria Cross for New Zealand awarded to Corporal Willie Apiata. The New Zealand Government states that NZSAS is the "premier combat unit of the New Zealand Defence Force" Īnd it has been operationally deployed to locations including the Pacific region, Afghanistan, and the jungles of South-East Asia. It traces its origins to the Second World War and the famous Long Range Desert Group that New Zealanders served with. The 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment, abbreviated as 1 NZSAS Regt, was formed on 7 July 1955 and is the special forces unit of the New Zealand Army, closely modelled on the British Special Air Service (SAS).
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