Legion of Frontiersmen (New Zealand) Command

MULDOON Robert David

Right Honourable Sir

255565, New Zealand Army, WW2

3049, Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand

National Party Prime Minister of New Zealand:- 12 December 1975 - 26 July 1984

Robert David Muldoon was born in Auckland in 1921. He was educated at Mt Albert Grammar in Auckland, and later went on to become a professional accountant.

In November 1940, shortly after his 19th birthday, Robert Muldoon enlisted in the army. In 1942, after reverting from Sergeant to Private at his own request, he was posted to New Caledonia, where he was again promoted, to Corporal. In 1944 he sailed for Egypt and Italy, where he joined D Company of the Divisional Cavalry Battalion and took part in fighting at the Senio and Gaiana River crossings, and in the capture of Trieste

Muldoon first entered Parliament as MP for Tamaki in 1960. He remained the Member for that electorate for 31 years until his resignation, one year before his death, in 1991

Muldoon held a number of positions within Government before his elevation to Prime Minister. He became Under-Secretary to the Minister of Finance from 1964 to 1967, the Minister of Tourism briefly in 1967 and Minister of Finance from 1967 - 1972 and also from 1975 - 1984.

When Keith Holyoake retired in 1972 and John Marshall rose to the leadership, Muldoon became Deputy Prime Minister. The term 1972 to 1975 saw National in Opposition. During that time moves were soon set on foot by a group known as the Young Turks within the parliamentary group to replace Marshall with Muldoon; They cameinto fruition in 1974.

Muldoon became Prime Minister in 1975, and also Minister of Finance. He served as Prime Minister for three terms until 1984 when, in July, he called a snap election, and lost. During his time as Prime Minister, Muldoon became well-known for his market interventions. Muldoon was also notable for backing Britain in the Falklands Crisis in 1982.

At the 1984 Legion parade in Wellington, one Robert David Muldoon enlisted into the Legion of Frontiersmen (3049)

Muldoon remained in Parliament as MP for Tamaki until 1991, when he resigned. He died in Auckland in 1992 aged 70.

NOTES

Born 25 September 1921, Auckland, New Zealand

Died 5 August 1992, Auckland, New Zealand

Buried Perewa Cemetery, Auckland [Block R Row 0 Plot 1A]

AWARDS

Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)

Companion of Honour (CH)

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45