Awards win for Long Tan heroes (Australia)
THE man who led Australian troops in the Battle of Long Tan more than 40 years ago should be awarded one of the country's top gallantry decorations, a federal review has recommended.
The review by a panel of retired senior army officers was ordered by the Howard government on the eve of the election in October to investigate why the nominated awards for the heroes of the best-known battle involving Australian troops in the Vietnam War were downgraded or ignored.
Senior Australian commanders, operating at the time under a quota for bravery awards allocated by the British imperial decorations system, were blamed for the decisions.
The panel yesterday recommended that commander Major Harry Smith be granted the Star of Gallantry, the modern equivalent of the Distinguished Service Order. The decoration, second only to the Victoria Cross of Australia, recognises acts of outstanding heroism in action, in circumstances of great peril.
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The review by a panel of retired senior army officers was ordered by the Howard government on the eve of the election in October to investigate why the nominated awards for the heroes of the best-known battle involving Australian troops in the Vietnam War were downgraded or ignored.
Senior Australian commanders, operating at the time under a quota for bravery awards allocated by the British imperial decorations system, were blamed for the decisions.
The panel yesterday recommended that commander Major Harry Smith be granted the Star of Gallantry, the modern equivalent of the Distinguished Service Order. The decoration, second only to the Victoria Cross of Australia, recognises acts of outstanding heroism in action, in circumstances of great peril.