Past and current members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) give the salute as ...

Past and current members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) give the salute as they march on the parade ground (at 1 Australian Logistic Support Group (1ALSG)), past the podium where United States Army General, Creighton W Abrams, Commander US Military Assistance Command Vietnam (COMUSMACV) returns the salute. The Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Vietnam, Mr Ralph L Harry, is also standing on the podium. Leading the march is 3483 Colonel John Alexander Clark, Commanding Officer, AATTV. The AATTV was awarded the United States Army Meritorious Unit Commendation. The Commendation reads: 'The Australian Army Training Team, Vietnam distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from July 1962 to August 1969. Throughout the foregoing period, the members of this valiant Team consistently manifested professional competency and the highest degree of dedication in their advisory efforts on behalf of a beleaguered nation - the Republic of Vietnam. As an operational entity composed of individually selected volunteers, the Australian Army Training Team, Vietnam displayed unexcelled initiative, relentless perseverance, and un daunting courage in providing advice and assistance which enhanced the ability of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam to successfully engage and defeat the enemy on the battlefield. In addition to furnishing technical knowledge with respect to complex tactical operations, this motivated organisation offered it's expertise to aid in the implementation of the Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development and Support program. It's accomplishments in this latter area were reflected most vividly in the remarkable progress achieved within the social and cultural spheres of life among the Vietnamese people. Through its dynamic participation as a staunch member of the Free World Military Assistance Forces, the Australian Army Training Team, Vietnam contributed conspicuously to the development and maintenance of a stable and viable nation while operating in a hostile environment. The Australian Army Training Team, Vietnam performed in consonance with the highest traditions of the military and has brought distinct credit to itself and to the Commonwealth of Australia.' The AATTV were also awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm unit citation. The translated citation reads: 'This outstanding unit is an assemblage of first class fighting men who have a wealth of ability and goodwill. The unit was first formed on 1 July 1962 with a basic role of Regimental Level Counter Insurgency Operations Support and up to 31 October 71 has ably assisted the Regiments of I Corps at Phu Bai, the Rangers at Duc My and the special Forces on the Laotian Border. In 1964 the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam contributed to the development of the Regional and Popular Forces and established Advisory Teams in the Combat Battalions of the Military Regions. In Particular, the Training Team has participated in almost all the Military operations conducted in Military Region I during the period from 1964 to 1970, and especially between February and August 1970, the Training Team contributed greatly to the successes of the battles to maintain the security of the Fuller, Tun Tavern and O'Reilly Fire Support Bases in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces - battles which caused serious losses to the enemy in manpower and material. During Operations Lam Son 719, 720 and 810 and Quyet Thang 20/B1, these Australian fighting men regularly faced danger and fought courageously beside units of the Vietnamese Armed Forces while they destroyed many North Vietnamese Army Units. The cumulative totals of enemy losses for these operations were 23,381 enemy killed in action.' Altogether, 132 current and ex members of the AATTV participated in the march, which was recorded by many photographers and some film crews from several nations.