Showing 131 items
matching australian army training team vietnam
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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Painting, Doug Hill
... , Australian Army Training Team vietnam 1964-1965 and 1968-1969... Class 2, Australian Army Training Team vietnam 1964-1965 ...An original painting of Warrant Office Class 2 Doug Hill in uniform in the background, also depicting the medal awarded for his service to the war. In the foreground is Doug Hill as a civilian in more recent timesDoug Hill, Australian Artillery Warrant Officer Class 2, Australian Army Training Team vietnam 1964-1965 and 1968-1969painting, vietnam lest we forget, aattv -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Certificate, Certificates
... awarded to Australia Army Training Team Vietnam in Republic... Commendation awarded to Australia Army Training Team Vietnam ...Folder with two citations : Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded to Australia Army Training Team Vietnam in Republic of Vietnam, July 1962 to August 1969. Citation of Award given by USA War Officecertificates, meritous unit commendation -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Weapon, Quiver with 8 arrows,Montagnard weapons, mid 1960's
... of the Montagnard Highlands of South Vietnam. Many Australian Army Training... Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) members trained ...Bamboo quiver with 8 arrows made & used by an ethinic tribe of the Montagnard Highlands of South Vietnam. Many Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) members trained in that area & worked the hill tribespeople.montagnard weapons, quiver, aattv -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Warrant Officer Class 11 Kevin 'Dasher' Arthur Wheatley
... 29890. Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Royal Australian...' Arthur Wheatley, VC 29890. Australian Army Training Team Vietnam ...Dark timber framed, burgundy, matt board box display of VC winner WO 11 Kevin 'Dasher' Arthur Wheatley. Displays Warrant Officers' peaked cap, L & R sleeves with insignia & cloth badges of AATTV, AMF, rank, photograph & citation. eleven (replica) medals, four badges & a brass plaque.Brass plaque "WO 11 Kevin 'Dasher' Arthur Wheatley, VC 29890. Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Royal Australian Infantry.medals, vietnam., victoria cross, aattv, wo ka wheatley -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Document, Meritorious Unit Commendation -v Capt IC Teague
... of Meritorious Unit Commendation to Australian Army Training Team Vietnam... of Meritorious Unit Commendation to Australian Army Training Team Vietnam ...Wooden Framed Certificate of US Dept of the Army Award of Meritorious Unit Commendation to Australian Army Training Team Vietnam - 35803 Capt I.C. Teague Awarded 9/02/70 by US Secretary of the ArmySignature of Sec of the Armyframed document, aattv, capt i.c.teague, meritous unit commendation -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Plaque, A.A.T.T.V Persevere
... AATTV (Australian Army Training Team Vietnam) with a crossbow... (Australian Army Training Team Vietnam) with a crossbow underneath ...Wooden plaquie in shape of shield, brass pate attached. Green, gold, yellow & red 1962-1972 across top above the letters AATTV (Australian Army Training Team Vietnam) with a crossbow underneath then the word Persevereplaque, aattv -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Document, Certificate
... to Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Black bordered certificate... to Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Black bordered certificate ...Mustard coloured: Laminated certificate awarded to Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Black bordered certificate with red ribbon emblem and black writing with yellow seal of USA War Office on bottom of certificate. Dated 09/02/1970.meritorious unit commendation -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Headwear, Bamboo Peaked Hat, 1965 (approx)
... , of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1964-65...., Service no.335054, of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam ...Woven bamboo hat in traditional Asian conical shape as worn by Vietnamese farmers and workers.Brought back from Khe Sanh, South Vietnam by Major Ian G McKeown, Service no.335054, of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1964-65.bamboo, hat, traditional costume, vietnamese clothing -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Shirley Simmons
... of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, on Anzac Day 25 April 1967..., entertains on the lawn of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam ...A black and white photograph of lead singer Shirley Simmons, of her own Shirley Simmons Concert Party, entertains on the lawn of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, on Anzac Day 25 April 1967, at their Northern Headquarters in down town Danang.photograph, aattv, shirley simmons, danang, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, shirley simmons concert party -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Champa Museum
... the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.... the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Champa Museum Photograph ...A black and white photograph of Lucky Star and Digby Richards along with members of their concert party, leave the Champa Museum in Danag following a visit during a rare break in the concert tour. They had on the previous day entertained the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.photograph, aattv, entertainers, lucky star, digby richards, champa musuem, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Erica De Wit
... Training Team Vietnam assemble on ANZAC Day 1970 in Danang enjoy... Training Team Vietnam assemble on ANZAC Day 1970 in Danang enjoy ...A black and white photograph of Members of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam assemble on ANZAC Day 1970 in Danang enjoy Erica De Wit, lead singer of the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party. The concert was held on the lawn of AATTV HQ in Downtown Danangphotograph, entertainment, erica de wit, aattv, anzac day 1970, danang, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Shirley Simmons' Dancers
... of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in Danang, those members able... of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in Danang, those members able ...A black and white photograph - Following morning services, Anzac Day 25 April 1967, at the Northern Headquarters of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in Danang, those members able to get in to Danang from the field were entertained by dancers from the Shirley Simmons Concert partyphotograph, aattv, danang, entertainers, shirley simmons concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, digger -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Weapon, Montagnard Crossbow, Mid 1960s
... with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) including in the Mobile... with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) including in the Mobile ...Bamboo double string crossbow made by traditional tribal peoples of the Monagnard Highlands, Vietnam, many of whom worked with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) including in the Mobile Strike Force Command (MIKE Force). The AATTV used the symbol of the Montagnard crossbow as part of its emblem.montagnard, crossbow, aattv -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Village Girl Hanh
... April 1967, 2 Corps. An Australian Army Training Team Vietnam... Corps. An Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) advisor ...A black and white photograph - Trapong, Quang Ngai Province April 1967, 2 Corps. An Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) advisor WO2 Keith "Windy" Windbank talks to a village girl, Hanh, who had lost her right eye and part of her nose by artilleryphotograph, trapong, quang ngai province, aattv, 2 corps, wo2 windbank, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese children -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - SHIRT, GREEN, 1967
... for Service details. AATTV: Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.... for Service details. AATTV: Australian Army Training Team Vietnam ...Items issued to Murray METHERALL 35455. Refer Cat No 590.2 for Service details. AATTV: Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.Shirt, work, dress, green, cotton complete with name sewn on over left pocket, Rising Sun on right shoulder, Unit Patch on left shoulder, Captains Rank epaulette on both shouldersSewn on: “Metherall” On Unit Patch: “AATTV Persevere” Handwritten: “Metherall”uniforms - army, costume - male working, aattv -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, A Quiet Moment
... of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) to be awarded... members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV ...A black and white photograph of two of the four members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery, WO2 Keith Payne VC & WO2 Ray Simpson VC Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) share a quiet moment after WO2 Payne had just been advised of his award of the VCphotograph, aattv, victoria cross, dcm, wo keith payne, wo 2 ray simpson, gibbons collection catalogue -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - UNIT CITATIONS, estimated 1962-1972
... Unit Citations awarded to the Australian Army Training Team... goldfields Unit Citations awarded to the Australian Army Training ...Unit Citations awarded to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. On the left, U.S Meritorious Unit Commendation. On the right, South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Citations were awarded to Murray Stanley Metherall. Refer 590.2.Citations X 2 joiined, with pin and clips for uniform. Gold edging on both. One has plain red ribbons, second has red with yellow/red vertical stripes with palm leaf.awards, citations, vietnam, u.s -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Headwear - Bush hat, giggle hat, 1968
... by Major P R Young, Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1962-1963... by Major P R Young, Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1962-1963 ...Standard issue Army bush hat used during the Vietnam war by Major P R Young, Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1962-1963, Australian Service Attaché Staff, Saigon 1965-67.Australian Army bush hat found in bottom left hand pocket of jacket belonging to Peter Raymond Young 240217 (refer catalogue 11889) has "Copral" written in black ink on inside. label. Has a small hole in crown.sun Ray hats Pty Ltd. made in melbourne 1968clothing, giggle hat, young, peter raymond -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Equipment, Jungle Scarf, sweat rag
... the Vietnam war by Major P R Young, Australian Army Training Team... the Vietnam war by Major P R Young, Australian Army Training Team ...Section of cotton open weave sweat rag used during the Vietnam war by Major P R Young, Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1962-1963, Australian Service Attaché Staff, Saigon 1965-67.Green/brown camouflage scarf has quite a few holes, some have been mended.scarf, sweat rag, aattv, major young, peter raymond young, vietnam war, uniform, scrim -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, AATTV FRAMED, Post 1970
... Rank Warrant Officer Class II Unit: Australian Army Training... Officer Class II Unit: Australian Army Training Team: Vietnam Date ...Ray Simpson VC, DCM. Refer 630 for his service history, WW2, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam. This portrait came as an extra to a large framed print of Australia’s 96 at the time Victoria Cross winners.Dark brown marbled effect timber frame, with gold inner edge glass, gold metal look name plate glued to glass at lower edge. Coloured print of a water colour painting of soldier RAYENE STEWART SIMPSON in uniform. Black print on gold name plate: SIMPSON Rayene Stewart VC Rank Warrant Officer Class II Unit: Australian Army Training Team: Vietnam Date: 6 and 11 May 1969 Place: Kontum Province, South Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam)portraits, illustrations-watercolour, aattv, vc -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Plaque
... to all Australians who served in the Australian Army Training... who served in the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam during ...This item commemorates the war in Vietnam (1962-1972)Glass commemorative plaque with metal dedication to the AATTVThe Vietnamese Veterans Association of Victoria Inc In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Australian Military commitment in the Vietnam War respectfully and gratefully presents this momento to all Australians who served in the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam during the Vietnam War especially those who paid the supreme sacrificevietnamese veterans, aattv, 50th anniversary commitment -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - LICENSES, 1) Est 1960’s .2) 20/11/1967
... was the only such person to serve in the Australian Army Training Team... was the only such person to serve in the Australian Army Training Team ...Licences were for Murray Stanley Metherall No 35455. Serving in the Australian Army Educational Corps Murray was the only such person to serve in the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. As a Capt age 44 years he served in Vietnam as Adjutant with AATTV/HQ AFV (Army) from 29.1.68 to 21.1.69. He would catch rides by Jeep, truck, aeroplane, with Americans, by any means to all the outposts in Vietnam where the “Team” served delivering mail and pay. .1) Army cinematograph operator's license made of brown printed fabric. .2) Army drivers license made of brown printed fabric..1) & .2) “Australian Military Forces”documents, licenses, drivers, cinema, aattv -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Medal - Medal, Replica
... of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV)... went to members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam ...General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'South Vietnam'. Awarded to Army and Air Force for service of 30 days or more, not necessarily continuous , in South Vietnam between December 1962 and May 1964 inclusive, or one sortie or more into South Vietnam by RAAF air crew personnel in direct support of operations. Members of accredited philanthropic organisations serving with the Army - the Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army, Young Men's Christian Association and Campaigners for Christ - were also eligible. Only 68 clasps were issued and all went to members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV)General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'South Vietnam'. Round silver medal with green and dark blue ribbonElizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina FD South Vietnamreplica medal, general service, south vietnam, aattv -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Plaque - Almond plaque
... of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in 1969. There he... of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in 1969. There he ...Warrant Officer Class One Ron Almond served on the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles cadre staff before being posted as a member of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in 1969. There he was posted as adviser to 17th Armored Cavalry Squadron. He later returned to 8/13 VMR as Regimental Sergeant Major. The AATTV was a specialist unit of military advisors of the Australian Army that operated during the Vietnam War. Raised in 1962, the unit was formed solely for service as part of Australia's contribution to the war, providing training and assistance to South Vietnamese forces. Initially numbering only approximately 30 men, the size of the unit grew several times over the following years as the Australian commitment to South Vietnam gradually grew, with the unit's strength peaking at 227 in November 1970. Members of the team worked individually or in small groups, operating throughout the country from the far south to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the north. Later they were concentrated in Phước Tuy Province as Australian forces prepared to withdraw from Vietnam. It is believed to be the most decorated Australian unit to serve in Vietnam; its members received over 100 decorations, including four Victoria Crosses, during its existence. The unit was withdrawn from Vietnam on 18 December 1972 and was disbanded in Australia on 16 February 1973. A total of 1,009 men served with the unit over a period of ten years, consisting of 998 Australians and 11 New Zealanders. Representative of a connection between Australian Army Reserve and South Vietnam.Wooden shield with coloured plastic emblem mounted at centre and engraved metal plate below.Presented to / 8/13 VMR OR's Mess / By Ex RSM 8/13 VMR / WO1 Ronald M Almond / 17th Armoured Cavalry Sqn / Advisory team 116 / Republic of Vietnam / May 1969-May 1970military, cadre, aattv, vietnam, cavalry, armour, almond -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - 'old' VMR soldiers
... served with the Australian Army Training Team in South Vietnam... served with the Australian Army Training Team in South Vietnam ...All three men had a long association with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. John Neale served in RAN during WWII; post war he joined 8/13 VMR as a trooper in 1948. He rose through the ranks to command the regiment in 1972-76, and later became Honorary Colonel. Ron Almond served in WWII; following the war he joined the Regular Army and served several postings to the Cadre Staff of 8/13 VMR including a post as Regimentla Sergeant Major. He also served with the Australian Army Training Team in South Vietnam. Bill Woolford served in the Royal Marines in WWII; post war he migrated to Australia joining the Victoria Police and was posted to Wodonga. He joined 8/13 VMR and served as Squadron Sergeant Major 'A' Squadron.Colour photograph of Colonel John Neale and former 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers Ron Almond and Bill Woolford at Buna Barracks 29 April 1990neale, almond, woolford, vmr, albury, aattv, buna barracks -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Leadership group the day before the Battle of Ngok Tavak, 9/05/1968 12:00:00 AM
... Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of 7 soldiers (5 shirtless) posed on the edge of a foxhole with jungle in background. L-R Willie Swicegood (USA), John White (AATTV-Aus), Ken Benway (USA), Frank Lucas (Aust), Clay Aitkins (USA), Glenn Miller (USA), Don Cameron (Aust)john white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Banner - Banner, framed, 11 Co (Nung)
... Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Captain John White, AATTV, arrives in Vietnam, January 1968, 1/01/1968 12:00:00 AM
... Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of John (Jed) White, aged 26 arriving at Tan Son Nhut Airport in full uniform, bag straps over left shoulder. Close- up of chest and head with plane visible in the background.AWM - p 11058,001capt john (jed) white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Plaque, Mobile Strike Force Shield
... Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)A wooden shield painted grey/black celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Ngok Tavak. There are three messages from mates written in black on the back. The shield was presented to Capt John (Jed) White.Presented to Captain John White, AATTV from the men of the Mobile Strike Force, Danang, Vietnam, 1968.mobile strike force, capt john (jed) white, shield, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Sketch of Battle Map, Ngok Tavak, Mary 1968
... Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Annotated hand-drawn map of the fort at Ngok Tavak, 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, john white, battle map