The Government has agreed that Royal New Zealand Artillery personnel who served in the Vietnam War will be awarded the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry.
The award affects around 120 members of 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, who participated in the Battles of Coral and Balmoral in Vietnam between 12 May and 6 June 1968, as well as other New Zealand Armed Forces personnel directly involved in one or both battles.
"The Battles of Coral and Balmoral were among the largest and most protracted fought by the Australian Task Force in the Vietnam War. The 161 Battery gunners received high praise for the accuracy and volume of fire support they provided at critical stages of attacks on the Australian battalion positions," says Ron Mark.
"The Australian Government last year awarded the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry in recognition of the 'extraordinary gallantry' the Australian units provided during the battles at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral between 12 May and 6 June 1968. The award was also offered by the Australian Government to 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery.
"The Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry is awarded to a unit for 'extraordinary gallantry' as a team in warlike operations. It is not awarded for acts of gallantry performed by an individual or by small groups of personnel.
"A formal presentation by representatives of the Australian Government of this award is being planned at Linton Military Camp in March 2019," says Ron Mark.
Eligible veterans who are not in contact with the Royal New Zealand Artillery Association should provide their contact details to New Zealand Defence Force Personnel Archives and Medals, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt 5140.
Email: [email protected] or telephone:
