The Governor General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, has presented a Unit Citation to Delta Company, the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) for acts of extraordinary gallantry in action at the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, joined a formal parade and presentations at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera today.
“Today marks the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966, one of the most significant engagements by Australian Forces during the Vietnam War,” Mr Snowdon said
“In this exchange members of Delta Company 6 RAR joined New Zealand soldiers and won a hard fought battle against over 2,000 North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces, in a rubber plantation at Long Tan in South Vietnam.
“18 Australians were killed, the most killed in any one engagement of the Vietnam War,” he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator the Hon David Feeney said the Battle of Long Tan had great symbolic importance for all Australians.
“We must never forget the service and sacrifice of these brave Australians who fought with great courage and valour in the face of adversity,” he said.
“On this significant day I recognise and commemorate the 6 RAR veterans who fought in the battle and I congratulate them on this truly deserved award.
“I also congratulate Lieutenant (Ret) Dave Sabben on receiving the Medal for Gallantry at today’s ceremony, in recognition of his role at Long Tan.”
The parade also included the presentation of a Meritorious Unit Citation to recognise the efforts of numerous members of the Mentoring Task Force 1 (MTF-1) during their recent deployment to Afghanistan.
“The presentation of the Meritorious Unit Citation to the 6 RAR-led MTF-1 recognises the outstanding service in warlike operations on Operation Slipper in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan,” said Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison.
“The parade commemorates the sacrifices made by the fallen members of 6 RAR and its supporting elements in Vietnam and more recently in Afghanistan,” he said.
The actions of 6 RAR, which earned these awards, reflect the highest ideals of the Australian Defence Force the sacrifice and continuous commitment in defending Australia and its national interests.
Images will be available after the 3:30pm event at: http://adfmedia.smugmug.com/Snowdon
Media Contacts:
Minister Snowdon’s office: Alice Plate 0400 045 999
Senator Feeney’s office: Lorna Clarke 0408 345 730
Defence Media: 02 6127 1999