Navy door gunners honoured for war service

Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam crews from HMAS Albatross will be among Australian military personnel honoured by the Republic of Vietnam.

Fifty years after having served in Vietnam, Australian Defence Force members will be recognised with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (the Citation).

The RAN Clearance Diving Team Three (CDT3),  Royal Australian Air Force Transport Flight Vietnam (RTFV)/35 Squadron (SQN) and 9 SQN will also be eligible for the citation.

Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove formally approved the awarding of the citation in recognition of the military assistance provided to the former Republic of Vietnam while under the operational command of the United States Military Assistance Command.

The citation was originally awarded by the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) to all units subordinate to Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) during the period February 8, 1962 and March 28, 1973, and to United States Army Vietnam and its subordinate units for the period July 20, 1965 and March 28, 1973.

Policy at the time regarding foreign awards to Australian military units required the foreign government to make a formal offer to the Australian government.

As no such offer was made, some units were overlooked for the citation.

During a recent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal review, the RAAF identified that RTFV/35SQN were eligible for the citation.

After additional research, navy identified that CDT3 and RANHFV were eligible for the citation and air force identified 9SQN were eligible.

To be eligible for the citation members must have served in Vietnam under the command of MACV and posted to one of the following units, during the eligible dates:

RAN Clearance Diving Team Three from February 3, 1967 to May 5, 1971.

RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam from October 16, 1967 to June 8, 1971.

RAN personnel in 9 Squadron (eight personnel) from February 1968 to April 1969.

RAAF personnel in 9 Squadron from June 1966 to December 1971.

RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam/35 Squadron from August 1964 to February 1972.

The palm on the Citation is bronze, rather than gold, and previously issued citation devices are incorrect.

Nowra RSL Sub-Branch secretary Rick Meehan said it is great recognition for local personnel who served their country overseas during wartime.

“We would love to hold a formal ceremony locally when the presentations are made to Shoalhaven personnel,” he said.

Helicopter Flight Vietnam was wholly made up of aircrews from HMAS Albatross and was one of the most decorated units of all three Australian services that served in Vietnam.

The aircrews and maintenance personnel were awarded 34 naval commendations, one MBE, eight Distinguished Service Crosses, six Distinguished Flying Crosses, one British Empire Medal and were mentioned in dispatches on 27 occasions.

“They also received numerous American award citations,” Mr Meehan said.

“This recognition is great to see, despite it being 50 years later, they are finally being recognised for their efforts.

“It was a big change for the navy personnel. Instead of being based on a ship they spent 12 months or more living on the land, working alongside American army personnel.”

Personnel wishing to obtain the bronze palm device should return their existing device for replacement to the Directorate of Honours and Awards at: Directorate of Honours and Awards, Citation Exchange, PO Box 7952, Canberra,  ACT,   2610.

Further details about the award and eligibility requirements and the exchange of incorrect devices are available on the Directorate of Honours and Awards website at: www.defence.gov.au/medals