Australian Vietnam veterans awarded medals after 12-year wait
Updated
The leader of the Australian troops in the battle of Long Tan in Vietnam has said justice has finally been served with the awarding of bravery medals to some of the men involved.
An independent review has called for the reinstatement of the Star of Gallantry for Major Harry Smith and the Medal of Gallantry for two of his commanders.
The men were recommended for the medals after the 1966 battle but they were downgraded.
Eighteen Australians died when 100 soldiers fought more than a thousand troops from North Vietnam.
Major Smith has said the long fight to have the medals awarded has been worthwhile.
"My soldiers, mostly national servicemen, performed over and above what was required of them that day," he said.
"There were guns and bombs and rockets going everywhere. Everybody did exactly what they were trained to do. They fired their weapons. They ran their mates along side and they helped each other.
"They helped get the wounded back to the aid post, and that's why I've been pushing to get their gallantry awards for them."
