Prime Minister presents unit citation DPR/TV/895

Place Asia: Vietnam, Phuoc Tuy Province, Long Tan
Accession Number F04223
Collection type Film
Measurement 7 min 45 sec
Object type Actuality footage, Television news footage
Physical description 16mm/b&w/silent
Place made Australia: Queensland, North Queensland, Townsville
Date made 19 August 1968
Access Open
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Copyright Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
Creative Commons License This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
Description

The Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation, the highest United States award that could be given to a military unit, was presented to "D" Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, at a Parade in Townsville yesterday (18 August) by the Prime Minister, Mr Gorton. The Citation was awarded to "D" Company for its part in the Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam on 18 August, 1966. Lieutenant-Colonel C. M. Townsend, the former Commanding Officer of 6th Battalion, was a guest at the parade. The parade presented arms as first, the Minister for the Army, Mr Phillip Lynch and Mrs Lynch arrived. The new American Ambassador in Australia Mr William Crook and Mrs Crook. And the Prime Minister, Mr Gorton and Mrs Gorton. The Citation came as the result of the first major battle in which Australian troops fought in Vietnam. On 18 August, 1966, "D" Company was attacked by a regiment of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops and although outnumbered by almost ten to one, the Australians held their position for three and a half hours until a relief force from other companies arrived. The enemy fled leaving 245 dead on the battle field as testimony to the skill and courage of the men of 6th Battalion. The Citation was read by Captain M. F. Fairhead. Mr Gorton then pinned the Citation Ribbon to 6th Battalion's Regimental Colour. There were many awards for gallantry made to 6th Battalion's men during its 12 months tour of duty in Vietnam. A Military Cross, a Distinguished Conduct Medal, three Military Medals and four Menioned-in-Despatches went to individual soldiers from "D" Company as a result of the Battle of Long Tan alone. Mr Gorton spoke to the troops, congratulating "D" Company on its award. "D" Company showed it was as skilled on the parade ground as it was on the battle field as it trooped the colour through the ranks, and then marched past in slow time. (Also identified: Sergeant Bob Buick MM of Perth, WA; Major Harry Smith MC of Sydney, NSW; General Pollard)

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