AN EMOTIONAL Remembrance Day service was capped off with a special tribute to three Vietnam veterans who were honoured with the Unit Citation for Gallantry on Sunday morning.
Veterans Ewan Blair, David Strother and Graham Patzel received the honour for their involvement in the Balmoral-Coral battle in 1968.
The battle is remembered for the courage of Australian soldiers who fought desperately as hundreds of troops from the 7th Division of the North Vietnamese Army hammered their positions.
It lasted from May 12 until June 6 and is described as one of the Australian Army’s most significant battles of the Vietnam War.
When the assaults ceased on June 6, Australian casualties were 25 killed and 99 wounded.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin had the honour of presenting the Citation Insignia to the three veterans at the Mount Gambier service on Sunday.
“With limited experience at fighting high intensity combined armour and infantry engagements, the Australians demonstrated extraordinary gallantry in the defence of fire, support and patrol bases Coral-Balmoral,” Mr Pasin said.
“The exceptional leadership and soldiering skills of all members of the first Australian taskforce and their sustained outstanding performance in the face of overwhelming odds during the largest and most hazardous battle of the Vietnam War were in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and Australian Defence Forces.”
The three South East men were invited to the podium at the service, which was met with loud applause from the Mount Gambier community.
Mr Pasin acknowledged the service and sacrifice of the men.
“Needless to say, our nation is in your debt as our nation is in the debt of every member of the Australian Defence Force members who have fought for our freedom,” Mr Pasin said.
A highlight of the presentation was Mr Pasin’s special gift crafted by his own grandmother to pass on to the three veterans.
“I walked recently from Parliament House to the Australian War Memorial where there are 62,000 hand-crafted poppies,” Mr Pasin said.
“I put a call to Nonna and she’s made me one and as a gift from my family to yours, here is one for each of you.”
Mr Blair thanked Mr Pasin on behalf of the three veterans.
“On behalf of David, Graham and myself, I would like to thank Tony for this special presentation, thank you very much,” Mr Blair said.
