Nation honours the bravery in Vietnam
Australia is marking 50 years since the end of the nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War by honouring the brave men and women who made sacrifices.
We now mark 50 years since Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War concluded. This significant milestone allows us to contemplate the sacrifices made and to honour the brave men and women who served in this era-defining conflict.
Approximately 60,000 Australians were part of what was the country’s most extended involvement in a conflict in the 20th century. Tragically, 523 Australian lives were lost, and more than 3,000 were evacuated due to wounds, injury or illness.
The effects of the Vietnam War on the veterans and their families were not confined to the battlefield. The war had long-lasting psychological and emotional impacts, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which many veterans and their families grappled with long after the last shots were fired.
Australia’s involvement began with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam touching down in South Vietnam in 1962. It expanded to include a battalion in 1965, and then to a task force in 1966, comprising two battalions and support services including a Royal Australian Air Force squadron of Iroquois helicopters, all stationed at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy province.
Australia’s formal withdrawal occurred in 1973 when the Governor-General issued a proclamation in January of that year. Following this, the remaining combat troops were a platoon guarding the Australian embassy in Saigon, which was withdrawn in June.
To observe this 50th anniversary, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is arranging a sequence of commemorative activities across Australia, concluding with a national commemorative service in Canberra on 18 August 2023. The program aspires to ensure that every Australian Vietnam veteran and their families receive the honour and remembrance they deserve. Tickets for the commemorative service can be reserved through the DVA website, and the service will be broadcast by the ABC.
Throughout the year, Australians are encouraged to pay their respects and remember the service of those who served in the Vietnam War and their families.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, DVA has released a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration.
All Australian men and women who served in Vietnam, as well as families of veterans who have passed away or were tragically killed in action during the Vietnam War, are entitled to receive these. The medallion and certificate is available to all living veterans, widows of veterans and other family members. Though Australia can never fully repay the debt we owe to the 60,000 who served in Vietnam, this medallion and certificate offer a modest yet meaningful way to honour their service and recognise the sacrifice of those who did not return home.
The design incorporates the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with “Vietnam War” etched at the top and “Australia Remembers” at the bottom. The reverse side bears words of gratitude at the bottom with the years 1962-73 inscribed at the top to represent Australia’s involvement. The medallion also displays an UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter, HMAS Sydney (III) “Vung Tau Ferry” and an Australian soldier holding an SLR rifle.
The medallion is encased in a display box and comes with a card that explains the design and contains a brief expression of gratitude.
The commemorative certificate’s design complements the medallion and bears the signatures of the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. The certificate is contained within a separate folder that facilitates independent display, framing and mounting.
The tale of Australia’s Vietnam veterans extends beyond the war. Many veterans, on their return, embarked on remarkable careers and contributed significantly to society. Numerous veterans leveraged their experiences to enhance the care provided to veterans, leading to the establishment of support services like Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling, which is a leading provider of mental health assessment and clinical counselling services for Australian veterans and their families.
This anniversary is not merely about retrospection; it also envisages the future. It is about acknowledging the service and sacrifice of veterans, understanding our shared history, and valuing the contributions that Vietnam veterans and their families have made to Australian society. By commemorating, we keep the legacy alive, ensuring that the spirit of service and sacrifice remains an integral part of the Australian narrative.
For additional details, visit www.dva.gov.au/vietnam50.
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This content was produced in association with The Department of Veterans‘ Affairs. Read our policy on commercial content here.
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