The Vietnam Era

Stroppy Chippie · **Posted:** Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:07 pm

It should never have taken this long for those gallant members of the Australian Defence Force to be honoured. I remember an article on TV years ago where Harry Smith was continually advocating these awards. Well done those men, well done Harry Smith and for those who were against can only hope there is a day of reckoning. We used to have a neighbour who was with the group that went into the plantation after the battle to clear the site. Was a true gentleman and he made all effort to preserve Army tradition but his life was forever changed by what he saw and had to do.

Seejay · **Posted:** Fri Aug 12, 2016 5:17 am

No, it shouldn't have taken this long but the original blame lies with the senior army officers of the time who adhered strictly to the british guidelines for medals awards. And I believe one of whom was decorated for the battle even though he wasn't there. To my way of thinking all the blokes there deserved DSC's for what they achieved.

Some years ago in Pohnpei, Micronesia, I was introduced to a very gentle bloke named Peter. It was at the ANZAC Day ceremony, and I noted the Vietnam ribbons he wore. It wasn't until later my son told me he was a Long Tan survivor. He carried with him an air of incredible sadness. Lives now in Dubai, no kids, and I still get tears in my eyes when I think of what those blokes went through.

Also know a bloke named Geoff who lives up here in Trinity Beach (not far from old Chippy mate Russell Grant). Geoff was the driver of an APC ( I think 2 Cav?) that was part of the relieving force. He took troops in, and the gunner used every single box of .50 cal clearing the noggies back from the boys in the rubber. That was worry enough, but his job afterwards was to load the bodies of the fallen into the carrier and return them to Nui Dat. The memories he carries are simply unimaginable.

Graeme Rhodes · **Posted:** Fri Aug 12, 2016 10:43 am

You can easily understand why these guys suffer PTSD.

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Wed Aug 17, 2016 6:13 pm

There are going to be a whole lot of very disappointed former Vietnam Vets stranded in Vietnam over the next few days...
:type:

Long Tan: Vietnamese authorities cancel 50th anniversary commemoration event, DFAT says... :bugger:

Tomorrow's 50th anniversary Vietnam War commemoration event at the Long Tan cross site has been cancelled by Vietnamese
authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs says. :omg1:

The Vietnamese Government has advised the Australian Government that it will not permit the ceremony to commemorate
Vietnam Veteran's Day at the Long Tan cross site at 3:30pm on August 18 to proceed," DFAT said in a statement.

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Thu Aug 18, 2016 1:02 am

This is for all the Vietnam Vets who have been thwarted in their efforts to
honour their comrades by commemorating the Battle of Long Tan... :salute1:

There are any number of Long Tan videos on YouTube ranging from a few mins
to the 1:41:15 docco with Sam Worthington, (below) but the one I chose (above)
is a reasonable length, 14:11 mins taken from a 60 Minutes program, with iconic
reporter Peter Harvey and well known Vietnam Vet Bob Buik done 10 years ago...

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Sat Aug 27, 2016 10:00 pm

I know I've posted this before, but at our age, we can all relate... :salute1:

phred · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2016 5:03 am

I don't know if anyone here ever caught her broadcasts when you made trips up to Vietnam. Hanoi Hannah, voice of North Vietnam's Radio Vietnam, has passed away.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/10/16/trinh-thi-ngo-north-vietnamese-hanoi-hannah--obituary/

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2016 11:05 pm

From Kerry Kerr... :evil3:

(Interesting...) :-k

What Really Happened in Vietnam in 6 Minutes :obey:

I sent this out a couple of years ago and just came across it again in a folder this morning, with some grandkids studying Vietnam it may assist them… up to you.

:type:

http://www.prageruniversity.com/History ... m-War.html :salute1:

Chippy Ned · **Posted:** Wed Nov 02, 2016 6:05 am

Well, that is a very interesting piece of information. Democrats (read Labour) are all tarred with the same brush. :rocket:

The Vietnam Era

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