It's been awhile since I posted to my blog. Lot's of things have happened in the meantime and I guess that's true for us all. However, what's important is that finally the soldiers who prevented the probable demise of 1ATF base at Nui Dat, South Vietnam on the 18 August, 1968, have been recognized. Former Delta Company commander, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith (Retd.) received the Star of Gallantry, the Australian equivalent of the imperial award of the Distinguished Service Order for his excellent leadership during the battle. Major Geoff Kendall (Retd.) former commander of 10 Platoon Delta Company, 6RAR received the Medal of Gallantry for his part in the battle and former 2nd. Lieutenant Dave Sabben, commander of 12 Platoon received the Star of Gallantry as well.
The Victorian Branch of the Vietnam Veteran's Association of Australia fought hard to have these men recognized forty years after the event. I believe that the surviving rank and file members of Delta Company received the South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf Citation for their heroic efforts during the battle.
Of course it also is true that many brave soldiers who took part in the 10 year conflict, and who performed beyond what duty called for, will go unrecognized. That's the nature of war. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we do not glorify war.
