A Long Tan veteran from Wellington says it means a lot to be recommended for a military honour.
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Noel Grimes is to receive a Commendation for Gallantry on an independent tribunal's recommendation.
He is one of 10 Vietnam veterans recommended for an honour or upgrade for actions during the Battle of Long Tan 50 years ago.
Long Tan was the most costly battle fought by Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War, with 17 of their company killed in action and 25 wounded, one of whom later died from his injuries.
Against odds of at least 10 to one Australians came under wave after wave of attacks until a relief force arrived.
Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith (retired) was the commanding officer of the company and made the application for a review.
It resulted in the recommendations for the 10 soldiers including Private Grimes, who was a conscript sent to Vietnam aged 21.
“It does mean a lot,” Mr Grimes said. “. . . thanks to Harry Smith who was our company commander ...”
“He's fought, fought and fought for this, all these years. And finally, recognition.”
The passing of 50 years has given Mr Grimes perspective on the war.
“We certainly had a big victory on the day of Long Tan, but I think the country's now all communist anyway.”
The war experience helped shape his outlook.
“I guess in a way, yes, because you certainly appreciate life, being alive and living in Australia, it certainly drives that home and I came back uninjured, a lot didn't, didn't come back at all.”
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
