Veterans have been honoured for their bravery almost half a century ago after fighting a jungle war to defend the newly independent Malaysia.

The Malaysian government awarded 21 commemorative medals – the Pingat Jasa – to soldiers of the former Royal Leicestershire Regiment.

Fourteen Tigers veterans attended a ceremony at County Hall, in Glenfield, last night to receive their medals from the Lord Lieutenant, Jennifer, Lady Gretton.

Medals were also presented to the widows of five soldiers, while friends collected the honour on behalf of men who could not attend.

The evening brought back memories of the months the Tigers spent on the island of Borneo – from September 1963 to February 1964 – repelling Indonesian government troops in a border dispute. The soldiers faced the daily threat of ambush in a conflict fought in intense heat and humidity.

Fred Porter, 69, of Braunstone, who served as a private, said: "Our main job was defending the border and villagers from attack.

"I remember the tremendous heat, constant rain and terrible army food. For some reason, we had 1941 rations.

"When out on patrol we often stayed in villages. The people were so kind, even the headhunters. In one place they had human skulls as ornaments in their homes.

"But what stays with me most is the feeling of comradeship. It has been great to see some of old lads again."

Brothers Allan and Michael Jackson, of Eyres Monsell, Leicester, also picked up medals. Allan, 66, said: "We served as privates in separate companies but really we were all a band of brothers.

"I will wear this medal with pride because that's how I feel looking back at what we did."

Michael, 68, said: "I remember the comradeship most of all. We were all in it together. We shared absolutely everything."

Jack Weaver, 68, of Hinckley, a corporal, said: "I have incredibly fond memories .

"It's fantastic to get this sort of recognition and it's something to give to the grandkids."

Posthumous medals awarded to Corporals Gerald Huckerby, of Asfordby, and John "Ringo" Neil, of Leicester, were collected by their widows, Margaret and Angela.

Margaret, 69, said: "They were brave but humble men. I feel so very proud."

Angela Iliffe, 69, said: "John would have loved all this – it has been very emotional."

Fifty medals were awarded. The remainder will be sent to veterans and families now living abroad.

The fighting in Borneo was the last action seen by the Tigers before they became part of the Royal Anglians on September 1, 1964.

Several Borneo Tigers were among the 175 veterans who received the Pingat Jasa in 2007, at a ceremony in Leicester which also honoured soldiers who fought against the communist insurgency in Malaya in the 1950s and 60s.