Vietnam War veteran An enthralling account of an Australian infantryman and his companions in the Vietnam War. On Friday 8th March 1968, 20-year-old Gary McKay lost the lottery. He was conscripted. From a comfortable and carefree life of surfing and rugby football, he was drafted into the deadly serious preparation for war in the jungles of South Vietnam. In Good Company is his story told in his own words. It begins with induction and selection for the officer academy for national servicemen at Scheyville, a six-month 'pressure cooker' course which produced second lieutenants ready to lead troops into action against the Viet Cong. It ends three and a half years later with a burst of NVA machine-gun fire during a battle among enemy-held bunkers in the hills of Nui Le. Here is a grass-roots account of the blood, sweat and tears shared by a rifle platoon in jungle warfare, a straightforward story of the fears and the camaraderie which soldiers experience in combat. Gary McKay fashioned this account from his experience in action, leading his platoon. The detail is provided from the 80 letters he wrote to his wife while he served. He wrote his story for the reader who wants to know what the soldier on the ground went through - in the fetid jungle, in battle. Anyone who wants to understand what service in South Vietnam meant to those who were there should read this book. 'Reading In Good Company leaves a vivid and disconcerting impression of how the Vietnam War smelt, felt and sounded. One of the most honest and affecting war memoirs which Australians have so far published.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times 'An enthralling, accurate account of infantry soldiering in the Vietnam era. Very readable; a must for those who have never experienced combat and a vivid reminder for all veterans.' - Major General M. P. Blake, AM, MC, former CO 5th Battalion RARGary John McKay MC (born 1947) is a writer and former Australian Army officer. He was awarded the Military Cross while serving with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.[1] He later served as Commanding Officer of 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1988 and 1990Soft cover non fiction book

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

Four men who served as National Servicemen in differing eras of Australian military history : 1929, 1939, 1957, & 1968national service, military, wwii, world war two, vietnam

In 1977, the Leopard AS 1 Main Battle Tank entered service with the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. It was the replacement for the Centurion Tank, which had given sterling service since 1952 including four years on active service in South Vietnam. Although the Leopard AS1 had been in service for 23 years, with some upgrading it still has a formidable battlefield presence and will be a key weapon system in the Australian Army inventory. Transport by rail was the major method of moving the tank around the country.Five coloured photographs of Leopard tanks on rail wagons at Albury Railway Station, circa 1978.

Standard dress uniform jacket for soldiers.Khaki coloured single breasted jacket fastened with four centre plastic buttons and a belt. Belt attached to jacket on back via two leather loops buttoned around a fabric loop. Jacket carries two breast pockets on exterior with flap, each fastened with single plastic button and two metal press studs. Two hip pockets with flaps, unfastened. Interior is lined with synthetic fabric; one interior chest pocket on the left hand side underneath which is a manufacturers label (transcribed below). Small square paper tag sewn into left jacket interior (transcribed below).Interior label reads "E.W. P/LTD./SOUTH AUSTRALIA/1968/[broad arrow symbol]/SIZE 36 SHORT/CLASS 8406/66-019-8479/ARMY No./NAME/DRY CLEAN ONLY./REPRESS USING IRON AND DAMP CLOTH OR MEDIUM TO HOT STEAM IRON./CREASE UPPER HALF OF LAPELS ONLY." Written on the label is handwritten text "J.V." And "12/0L/0/67." Stamped in purple ink "BATCH No./385." Paper tag reads "62000/LOT 12 36S/GLOBE6/67."military, uniform, vietnam war, 1960s, dress uniform, beechworth, returned services league

A certificate presented by Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Vic) to the Diamond Valley Sub Branch recognising its outstanding service to veterans since 2000.A record of recognition by the State Branch of a Sub Branch's service to the veteran community.Metal Framed Certificate: Outstanding Service Award to DViets 2006 by VVAA (Vic); rectangular in shape with gold coloured aluminum frame.Award, Presented to DViets by Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Vic) acknowledging its Outstanding Service to the veteran community since 2000.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Collage of Tunnel Rats in action, including Honor Roll and text of Tunnel Rats tasks in Vietnam.A record of the 36 Tunnel Rats (Sappers) who died in service, of Tunnel Rat's general tasks, and 20 photos of Tunnel Rats in varying working and rest circumstances.Framed collage, of the Tunnel Rats (Sappers, Royal Australian Engineers), Vietnam. Rectangular, wood frame.Comprises 20 photos, three Tunnel Rats logos, four Corp badges and three Corp insignia with photos of the 36 Tunnel Rats (Sappers) who died in service down the lefthand side of the collage and a brief description of tasks performed by the Tunnel Rats down the righthand side of the collage. Engraved plate "Presented to the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Association by Michael Van Poeteren".vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, tunnel rats

The memorial honours APC crews and vehicles for service rendered but in particular the 1APC Sqn, Vietnam 1966-1967, Long Tan.A record of the place in the Vietnam War held by APC crews and vehicles and the support so provided to infantry and other soldiers. Photo: of the Memorial for the 1APC Sqn Vietnam 1966-1967, Long Tan. Memorial consist of a stone oblisk with a metal plaque attached which includes a depiction of an APC vehicle. Positioned on top of memorial stone are vehicle spares for maintenance."1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron. 1 A.P.C. Sqn, Vietnam. Vietnam 1966-1967 Long Tan". Nicknames "The Aspros" and "The Bex Boys". Text inside the frame of the vehicle is "For Those Who Returned and To Remember The Fallen". Unveiled 16th August 02. vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, battle of long tan, raac

Centrepiece, including flags with the perspex Long Tan Cross plaque, form the DViets focus point at meetings; the Centrepiece also forms DViets focus point at ceremonies,If there is a single most revered DViet asset...this is it. It is towards this Centrepiece that we direct our attentions as we remember those who died in Service and those who have since passed on.Six pieces consisting of: VVAA (Vic) flag, national flag, 2 flag poles at 8ft c/w pike and join sleeve, flag stand (made from 105mm brass canister), and stainless steel frame, an illuminated perspex Long Tan Cross affixed and hard wired to Nui Dat Room wall.Diamond Valley Vietnam Veteransdiamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, vietnam war

A listing by name of the 521 Australian Soldiers killed whist In Service; the recognition of those who paid the Supreme Sacrifice is the cornerstone of The Ode which is recited at all formal gathering of Vietnam Veterans.A reverent recollection of those who paid the Supreme Sacrifice even if the individual has no personal knowledge of those who died.Rectangular Honour Roll of the 521 Australian soldiers killed while In Service; picture embedded onto the Honour Roll of an assembly of soldiers at the Long Tan Cross, Vietnam.A brief description of the Battle of Long Tan is underneath the picture of the Long Tan Cross; names of all 521 Australian soldiers killed whilst In Service makes up the Honour Roll.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Memorabilia of all Australian service elements engaged in Vietnam.Shows collective indication of all Australian Service elements engaged in Vietnam.Shield, Australian Force Vietnam; timber backing with metal artwork of: a border of Australian Corp insignias with a Red Kangaroo insignia being top and centre, South Vietnam colours bannered across world globe with sword vertical up centre.Australian Force Vietnam bannered across bottom of artwork.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Depiction of Iroquois (Huey) helicopter, the prime source of assisted transport for infantry during Vietnam war.Of great relevance to infantry soldiers: the helicopter provided many services to soldiers in the field and were much respected by the soldiers in return. Services included, but not limited to, were: transport to and from the field; medivacs for wounded soldiers; re-supply of food, arms, reinforcements etc, Model of Huey helicopter, made of polished wood.Nilvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, raaf

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016, as part of VVAA (Vic)'s 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by wife of Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached. John William Kirby, Service No. 27758vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

The presentation case was produced as a Welfare Fundraising item and could be displayed on shelf or the like; the pins are a very simple depiction of the Australian Armed Services in the Vietnam war. A small but relevant reminder of the range of Australian Armed Services in Vietnam during period 1962 - 1972.The 20mm lapel pins feature scenes people and technology from the Vietnam War. The lapel pins have been created by master engravers. Included is a full colour printed insert depicting the ribbons of the Australian Active Service Medal 45-75 the Vietnam Medal the Australian Defence Medal and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal. The lapels are housed in an acrylic display case. The display case is 82mm wide x 165mm high. Vietnam 1962 - 1972.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

This 1995 bottle of Port was issued in 1995 in a commemoration of the Australian Army Training Team Viet-Nam.Significant as it is one of a wide range of commemorative material for all the elements of the Vietnam War: all the Services involved, Units, Sub-units, battles and events. Individually and collectively, the commemorative material holds many emotions for all the participants and even their families in some cases.1995 Tauriga Port commemorating the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Very descriptive label comprising descriptive artwork and contents information. Bottle is 750ml caoacity.Label description: Gold in colour; AATTV Shield middle and centre with gold border, green background with red text on a gold background: AATTV, motto of Persevere, with crossbow. Top left and right corners are Colors Flashes; down left and right sides are representations of four Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the AATTV: WO2 KA Wheatley VC, Maj PK Badcoe VC, WO2 RS Simpson VC and WO2 K Payne VC; banner across the label just below the shield is gold with red text: Australian Army Training Team Viet-Nam. Below the banner is text line: 1995 Tauriga Port - gold lettering on brown background. Then follows some makers information: Robert Minnes Wines, Sturt Highway, Barmera, South Australia. 18.0% Alc/Vol. Produce of Australia 750ml.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, aatt

A faithful depiction of an M16 automatic rifle that gradually partnered the SLR rifle as the typical weapon for riflemen and other soldiers.The model represents the M16 automatic rifle that, with the SLR rifle, became the 'best friend' to many infantry soldiers and other elements of Australian Armed Forces in Vietnam.The M16 rifle is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. Wikipedia Length: 38.81 in (986 mm) (M16A1); 39.63 in (1,007 mm) (M16A2); 39.37 in (1,000 mm) (M16A4) Caliber: 5.56 mm (.223 in) Designed: 1959 In service: 1964–present Muzzle velocity: 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s) (M855A1 round) Produced: : 1963–present; Sights: Iron sights: Rear: aperture; L-type flip; Front: wing-protected post; Various aiming opticsM16 automatic rifle; made of metal, plastic.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Book with DVD � A Time To Honour - is souvenir book issued at USA 50th Anniversary Commemorations, Hawaii June 2017A detailed commentary of the Vietnam War, albeit, from the American perspective.Hard Back copy of book issued at USA 50th Anniversary Commemorations, Hawaii, 2017; includes relative DVD: 120 circumference.Title: Vietnam War, 50th Commemorations. A Time To Honour. Stories of Service, Duty and Sacrifice.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, usa

The bottle of port is one of many memorabilia items from the era.Like all of the Vietnam War memorabilia, this bottle of port is a reminder of the Vietnam War and of the Veterans Service 'in country'. Clay bottle of port; bottle cream in colour with black seal. Bottle has two pictures around the side: black sketch of Vietnam Memorial at Australian War Memorial, Canberra; colour iconic picture of diggers awaiting dustoff. Above the sketch of Vietnam Memorial is text: "Vietnam Memorial', below the sketch is "For all those who served, suffered and died 1962 - 1973"; a map of Vietnam sits between the Vietnam Memorial and the dustoff picture.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, memorabilia

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam Veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White Cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.David Anthony B Wallis, Service No. 3794885vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number with a red poppy attached.John Noel McCarthy, Service No. 3112702vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran..A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Peter Raymond Gillson, Service No. 37857vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam Veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Robert Leo McNab, Service No. 39354vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Bryan Francis Fitzpatrick, Service No. A34167vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Dennis Lindsay Brooks, Service No. 3787889vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.John Milton Rands, Service No. 2787069.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran .A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Francis Lindsay Raffen, Service No. 4186vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Robert Tom Convery, Service No. 38627.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Kenneth Frank Mathieson, Service No. 37175vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch