They put their lives on the line to save 19 people's lives and were told they would be recognised for their bravery.

They never were.

Five decades later retired Colonel Jim Hodgson is on a mission to track down the 15 national servicemen and ensure they are suitably honoured for their heroic efforts.

"I've tracked down five so far and one of them has unfortunately passed away," Colonel Hodgson said.

Colonel Hodgson was the company commander of a group of national servicemen serving with C Company 2nd Infantry Battalion at the training depot in Aberdare.

"A local police inspector came and asked if we could assist in rescuing 19 people from floods at Dalwood," Colonel Hodgson said.

The men braved raging flood waters and debris to bring the people to safety.

They also helped with the evacuation of other people at Singleton in army ducks.

"When I met the mayor of Singleton at the time he said the men would be recognised but they never were," he said.

Colonel Hodgson is trying to track down the men or their families.

"I left Cessnock and went to Newcastle then became an Australian United Nations representative overseas and lost contact with everyone over the years," Colonel Hodgson said.

"I still want to try to track them all down so they can be recognised for their efforts."