The Department of Defence is encouraging Vietnam War veterans involved in the battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral to apply for Citation insignia following their units’ recognition with the Unit Citation for Gallantry.
Referred to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal in 2017, the units were granted recognition for the battles on 3 April this year.
Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester said the battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral were among the largest and most protracted fought by Australians in the Vietnam War.
“Throughout the 26 days of the battle, a force comprising up to 3,000 Australians prevailed against a well-prepared and numerically superior enemy,” Mr Chester said.
“This year sees the 50th anniversary of the Battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral and it is timely that we are able to recognise the courageous service displayed by the members of the units involved.”
He encouraged veterans of eligible units for the Unit Citation for Gallantry to apply directly to the Department of Defence for their insignia.
Mr Chester said the eligible units included the 1st Australian Task Force (Forward); 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment; 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment; A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment; C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment; 12th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery; and 1st Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers.
He said members of units who flew missions in direct support of the battles, or who were forward deployed to the Fire Support Bases – No. 9 Squadron RAA161 Reconnaissance Flight and 161 Reconnaissance Flight – were also entitled to wear the Citation insignia.
He also encouraged family members of eligible deceased veterans to apply for the insignia as well.
Information about making an application is available from the Department of Defence website at this PS News link.
