Excellent Documentary about Australians in the Vietnam War

[Sukerkin]

[yt]8gUSq7pxux4[/yt]

I don't have any comments of my own to add to this - I'll let the film speak for itself.

 

[K-man]

Second Lieutenant David Sabben following a battle with the Viet Cong in Long Tan, Vietnam. Photo: Australian War Memorial FOR/66/0658/VN​

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Dave Sabben describes the Battle of Long Tan as “an extremely hectic three or four hours”.
But the fight for his company to receive the military honours they deserved became a very protracted battle indeed.
Retired Lieutenant Sabben will finally receive a medal for gallantry in Brisbane today, 45 years after 108 Australian and New Zealand troops repelled an enemy force of more than 2500 in Vietnam

Second Lieutenant David Sabben in Vietnam. Photo: Australian War Memorial FOR/66/0673/VN​

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Those involved in the Battle of Long Tan also had to battle a torrential downpour as they fought in a rubber tree plantation. They were supported by 24-gun artillery fire but 18 Australians were killed with 24 wounded.
The Battle of Long Tan documentary maker Martin Walsh said the leader of Infantry Delta Company, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Harry Smith, had recommended a raft of honours for his men after the horrific conflict.
However, these were downgraded at the time for political reasons, he said.
Col Smith, who was finally awarded the Star of Gallantry medal for leadership and gallantry earlier this year, fought for years for better recognition for his former troops.
Today, at a ceremony at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera, Governor General Quentin Bryce will award Lt Sabben a Medal for Gallantry.
He will also accept a Unit Citation for Gallantry on behalf of Delta Company 6 RAR.
Lt Sabben, a platoon commander who originally received Mentioned In Dispatches recognition, said he never thought he would see the day he and his company would receive the honours they deserved.
“No, but it's very welcome to see this day because this action brings a close to all the delay that has happened,” he said.
Lt Sabben, one of three on-the-ground commanders who survived the battle, remembers acts of bravery.
When one of the forward platoons lost radio communications because their device was destroyed by a bullet, a signal man ran out into the battle, putting himself in harm's way, to supply a replacement.
“He ran about 300 or 400 yards towards the platoon that had lost their radio ... seeing a need and acting on it and doing the right thing,” Lt Sabben said.
Lt Sabben said he and others did not think much about the pressure they faced at the time because their training and instincts kicked in.
But he said documents obtained in the 1990s showed the awards originally recommended were “belittled and downgraded”.
“It's a very proud moment for myself and for my platoon to have the recognition finally,” he said.


Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/que...gest-battle-20110817-1iy6b.html#ixzz1ucutx4mn



The saddest part was these guys were never properly recognised for their bravery and heroism. Another time, another war, and there would have been several VCs.

 

[oftheherd1]

Politics often causes acts of bravery to be overlooked. Sometimes they don't want to admit to battles that cause what are considered heavy casualties. Also, sometimes commanders or staff, too far removed from actual fighting, don't know, or have forgotten what bravery is. There was a 173rd Abn battalion commander who refused to forward a recommendation for a bravery award. The soldier had fallen on a grenade to save his comrades. The battalion commander said he wouldn't recommend a bravery award for someone who committed suicide (?). Others kept pushing and the soldier was finally recognized with the award. Sometimes those who witness bravery are themselves killed; no witnesses. Those kinds of things happen, sadly. But often I think, it is that some battles end up having so many acts of extreme bravery, it is hard to single out individual acts. They are just part of the norm. Plus, a lot of soldiers don't seek medals. They are more interested in survival.

When I got to Vietnam in late 1967, the Aussies were still spoken of with great respect within the 173rd Abn Bde, although they had been detached. Those who served with the 173rd were invited to be members of the 173rd Association. Good solid troops!