Finally, we salute you..
Is it just me or does everyone hate injustice?
Today is the 40th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan.
On the 18th of August, 1966 D company, 6th battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment was on patrol outside Nui Dat, when they encountered a North Vietnamese force, moving to attack Nui Dat.
D company numbered 108 men. The enemy numbered at least 1500, maybe 2500.
It was the bloodiest Vietnam battle involving Australians.
In darkness and pouring rain, trapped in a rubber plantation, D company fought off repeated attacks, not just from the North Vietnamese Army, but from Viet Cong irregulars too. Three hours later eighteen Australians lay dead. 24 were wounded. An estimated 245 enemy troops were killed.
And as if that wasn’t bad enough…then came the injustice.
Men who took part in the battle of Long Tan were recommended for a variety of medals, the distinguished service orders and military cross.
When they returned to Australia they found those medals had been downgraded.
Despite the desperate battle and loss of life outside Nui Dat, men who had battled for survival, and saved the lives of others in that rubber plantation were given lower honours than men who had never even seen active service.
Of course, the long tan medal fiasco is a drop in the ocean of the injustice reigned on our Vietnam Vets.
John Howard yesterday apologised for the way Vietnam Vets were treated upon their return from the war, he admits, as a nation, we failed them.
But today, we hope to do better...if you’re a Vietnam vet…whether you’re attending a service of not. Finally, we salute you.
Today is the 40th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan.
On the 18th of August, 1966 D company, 6th battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment was on patrol outside Nui Dat, when they encountered a North Vietnamese force, moving to attack Nui Dat.
D company numbered 108 men. The enemy numbered at least 1500, maybe 2500.
It was the bloodiest Vietnam battle involving Australians.
In darkness and pouring rain, trapped in a rubber plantation, D company fought off repeated attacks, not just from the North Vietnamese Army, but from Viet Cong irregulars too. Three hours later eighteen Australians lay dead. 24 were wounded. An estimated 245 enemy troops were killed.
And as if that wasn’t bad enough…then came the injustice.
Men who took part in the battle of Long Tan were recommended for a variety of medals, the distinguished service orders and military cross.
When they returned to Australia they found those medals had been downgraded.
Despite the desperate battle and loss of life outside Nui Dat, men who had battled for survival, and saved the lives of others in that rubber plantation were given lower honours than men who had never even seen active service.
Of course, the long tan medal fiasco is a drop in the ocean of the injustice reigned on our Vietnam Vets.
John Howard yesterday apologised for the way Vietnam Vets were treated upon their return from the war, he admits, as a nation, we failed them.
But today, we hope to do better...if you’re a Vietnam vet…whether you’re attending a service of not. Finally, we salute you.
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