Author Description

On Saturday 20 August 1966, front-page newspaper reports in every Australian newspaper trumpeted to the nation news of an epic victory in South Vietnam. Described by Defence Minister Allen Fairhall as 'an outstanding demonstration of courage and skill', the battle was viewed with respect and admiration by the Australian and US military communities for the courage and resilience displayed by the Australian soldiers. With the award of the United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation to D Company 6 RAR by President Lyndon B. Johnson in May 1968 for its 'extraordinary heroism while engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force in Vietnam on 18 August 1966', the Battle of Long Tan quickly cemented its place as the stuff of legend. This book examines in detail the reality of that battle and its wider impact on veterans and the Vietnam War.