Cosgrove made the commendation during the Dawn Service ceremony at the Bomana War Cemetery.
While commemorating the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers during numerous battles in pre-PNG soil, he also honoured the contribution of the frizzy haired helpers.
“I doubt there would be a digger who does not have a memory or a story of their deeds. All done with a smile and a reassuring calm,” Cosgrove said.
The vice regal also made special mention of Havala Laula, 90, from Kokoda, in Oro, a surviving ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ who was present at the ceremony,