Mounted Colour Photograph of a patient on a stretcher being loaded onto an aircraft for Medical evacuation.photograph, medivac

The painting was donated to ANZCA in 1995 by Dr Bernard Dunn. Bruce Fletcher, from Melbourne Victoria, studied under William Dargie, who had been an official war artist during the second world war. Fletcher followed the same pathway as his mentor and was the first of two official war artists appointed during the Vietnam War. His artwork are held in the art collection of the Australin War Memorial, Canberra. The title of the painting, 'Dust Off' is a term adopted in Vietnam which refers to the medical evacuation of sick or wounded soldiers, from the field, by a helicopter. It was originally a radio call sign selected from a US Navy Signal Operations book in 1963. [ref. 'Medicine at War. 1950-1972'].In June 2012, a Royal Children's Hospital Anaesthetic Registrar attended a College Tour conducted by Dr Rod Westhorpe when he saw the painting and informed us that the term 'Dust off' emanates from the Korean War and is in fact the acronym for Decisive, Unwavering, Support to our Fighting Forces'. The painting was based on a black and white photograph taken in Vietnam in 1971. An image of the photograph is located in the electronic supplementary file. Oil painting on board of a scene in which a military helicopter is about to land with a group of soldiers in the foreground, one wounded and one soldier standing. A cargo military helicopter is in the distance flying away from the scene. The painting is set in a gold frame.[plaque affixed to centre front of frame] DUST OFF \ BY BRUCE FLETCHER \ DEPICTING THE MEDICAL EVACUATION \ OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS FROM THE FIELD \ IN VIETNAM \ PRESENTED BY \ DR BERNARD L. DUNNpainting, dunn, bernard, fletcher, bruce, vietnam war, dust off

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo by "Bendigo Modern Press". Memories compiled by Peter Rosewall; who attended the last NDSN school PTS 108 between 1986 - 89.Two copies of newspaper cutting titled "Flying Angel to Diggers" Marjorie Allan Scott from Herald Sun March 30, 1998. Provided by Janene Mcnamara School 53 February 1962. Marjorie flew with Airforce pilots in the Pacific accompanying rescued wounded diggers. She started nursing at St Luke's Toddler's Home in Bendigo and joined the Royal Australian Airforce in 1940 to join the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Unit. After the war in 1946, she became a tutor sister at NDSN then became assistant Dean. memoir, nursing, tutor ndsn, raaf medical air evacuation transport unit, st lukes toddler's home, assistant dean

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers of 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) on Operation Lavarack North East of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, the American Dustoff medical evacualtion helicopter and its supporting aircraft lands on the landing zonephotograph, 11 platoon, d coy, 6 rar/nz, operation lavarack, dustoff, gibbons collection catalogue, australian task force, nui dat, diggers, 6 rar/nz (anzac), medical evacuation, denis gibbons

Stand Easy - After the Defeat of Japan 1945; Green hardcover with light green text and picture of soldier. The spine also has light green text of title. The inside front and back covers have green art geometric patterns. Illustrations, photographs, cartoons: 208 pages non-fiction A collection of personal stories which extended from the collection of Khaki and Green. The service numbers have been used to identify those who have contributed to the content.blamey, nerve war, medical evacuation, 2nd australian corps, surrender of japan, bougainville, borneo, 5th australian division, 6th australian division, 7th australian division, 9th australian division, tarakan, military - history, warfare

This volume is like a veteran 'gong' - winner with years of tough going and breathless incidents to draw from. The service and the blokes in it have been able to dig into this pile of gen. and present some amazing stories, pictures, poems, graphics and cartoons.Personal recounts from RAAF service personnel by way of stories, poems, cartoons, illustrations and portraitsRAAF Saga - The RAAF at War, green hardcover front, back and spine with black Text of title and a black silhouette picture on front cover showing aircraft. Front and back inside cover is a green sepia background with the RAAF insignia and a range of bombers being maintained.Message from Air Vice Marshall Chief of air staff C Jonesraaf, wwii, beaufighters, waafs, partisans, parachute, middle east squadron, kitty hawk, flying nurses, medical air evacuation unit, wewak, new guinea, jungle diary, the p24

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Medics and Intelligence Officers move to board a American Dustoff medical evacuation helicopter to return to the NVA/Viet Cong K76A Hospital wards captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) during Operation Marsden.photograph, dustoff, nui may tao mountain, 6 rar/nz, nva/vc, k76a hospital, gibbons collection catalogue, intelligence officers, medics, nva/vietcong, operation marsden, 6 rar/nz (anzac), denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Medics and Intelligence Officers meet and unload a secondAmerican Dustoff medical evacuation helicopter bringing wounded NVA/VietCong enemy from the NVA/VietCong K76A Hospital wards captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC)photograph, intelligence officers, dustoff, nva/vc, k76a hospital, 6 rar/nz, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, gibbons collection catalogue, anzac, medics, denis gibbons

The Iroquois helicopter was used in Vietnam by Australian Air Force as gunfire support and for medical evacuation.Wooden model helicopter and descriptive information relating to use of helicopters in Southeast Asia.vietnam, helicopters, iroquios

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Medics and Intelligence Officers rush to meet and unload an American Dustoff medical evacuation helicopter bring wounded NVA/VIETCONG enemy from the NVA/VIETCONG K76A Hospital wards captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC)photograph, 6 rar/nz, k76a hospital, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, nva/vc, dustoff, gibbons collection catalogue, intelligence officers, medics, wounded viet cong soldier, 6 rar/nz (anzac), denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photoraph on an American Dustoff medical evacuation helicopter, flies out fully laden with Diggers, following the destruction of APC 13A by a 40lb VietCong chicom mine during Operation Massey Harris.. The helicopter is so full of casualties that the medic has to stand on the skid for the trip to the hospital.photograph, dustoff, apc 13a, operation massey harris, gibbons collection catalogue, wounded serviceman, viet cong, chicom mine, diggers, medic, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Medics and Intelligence Officers rush to meet and unload an American Dustoff medical evacuation helicopter bringing wounded NVA/Viet Cong enemy from the NVA/Viet Cong K76A Hospital wards captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC)photograph, 6 rar/nz, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, dustoff, nva/vc, k76a hospital, gibbons collection catalogue, intelligence officers, 6 rar/nz (anzac), wounded viet cong soldier, medics, denis gibbons

An A4 booklet with the heading Brief History, 8 Field Ambulance - Vietnam 1967/72 written in red. There is a coloured photo of the 8 Field Ambulance Hospital, Vung Tau in the middle of the page. Also a brief description regarding Medical Evacuation and a photo of patients being medevac onto a C-130 Hercules.8th field ambulance, australia. army. field ambulance, 8th

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Medics and Intelligence Officers rush to meet and unload a second American Dustoff medical evacuation helicopter bringing wounded NVA/Viet Cong enemy from the NVA/Viet Cong from the K76A Hospital wards captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC)photograph, 6rar/nz, k76a hospital, nva/vc, dustoff, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, gibbons collection catalogue, intelligence officers, medics, nva/vietcong, wounded viet cong soldier, 6 rar/nz (anzac), denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Medics from the 8th Field Ambulance Hospital Nui Dat, unload a second Americam dustoff medical evacuation helicopter bringing wounded NVA/Viet Cong enemy from the NVA/Viet Cong K76A Hospital wards captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC)6 rar/nz, k76a hospital, dustoff, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, 1 atf, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, medics, photograph, 8th field ambulance hospital, nva/vietcong, wounded viet cong soldier, 1st australian task force, 6 rar/nz (anzac), denis gibbons

Topics covered in notes include War Administration and Medical Evacuation Procedures. Part of the Kevin John Herdman, No. 397661, Collection. See Catalogue No. 5942P for details of his service record.Plastic covered red two ring binder containing notes on miscellaneous topics. Text on pages is handwritten or printed in black type. Handwritten annotations in pencil. Pages are white and pink in colour.Handwritten on various pages: 'Annotations in pencil and black ink'.war administration, training notes, kevin john herdman

This object relates to Rosalie Dolores HENSELEIT. She was born on 26/09/1929 in Horsham, VIC. Rosalie Dolores served in the RAAF Nursing Service (N43989) enlisting on, 01/01/1955 before being discharged from duties with the 902nd AEROMED EVAC SQN USAF on 28/04/1967. She served as Nurse in RAAF and participated in medical evacuation of the wounded from Vietnam. Rosalie Dolores HENSELEIT was not a prisoner of war. Rosalie Henseleit was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 and the Vietnam Medal. Rosalie was a Branch Member.RSL Badge No. V62497 and TPI Badge included in framefirst world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

The last Australian soldier to be listed as missing in action was Lance Corporal John Francis Gillespie of 8 Field Ambulance. On 17 April 1971 Gillespie was serving as a helicopter medic during a 'dustoff' (helicopter medical evacuation) operation in the Long Hai hills in Phuoc Tuy province. Four South Vietnamese Regional Force soldiers had been injured by a mine explosion and the difficult terrain demanded a helicopter evacuation. But the Long Hai hills were an insecure landing zone. The caves and dense timber of the Long Hais had long harboured a major Viet Cong base area and the dustoff operation required the protection of helicopter gunships. As the first wounded soldier was being winched up, the hovering helicopter was hit by enemy machine-gun fire. It crashed to the ground and burst into flames. Although the crew escaped, Lance Corporal Gillespie and three other soldiers were engulfed in the fireball. A helicopter crewman, Corporal Robert Stephens, repeatedly entered the burning aircraft and tried in vain to rescue Gillespie, until being forced back by the flames. Stephens was later awarded the British Empire Medal for his courage. Gillespie's body could not be recovered from the burning wreckage which was reduced to slag by the fire. Private Gillespie was listed as missing in action, apparently on a technicality because his remains could not be found. The classification was subsequently altered to killed in action.Stainless steel open ended bracelet with missing serviceman's full name and date missing. In a buff square satin lined box.MIA John Francis Gillespie 17/04/71mia, john francis gillespie, l/cpl john francis gillespie, 3170244, royal australian army medical corps, 8th field ambulance, cpl robert stephens, killed in action

This is a studio photograph of Dr Ian 'Spud' MacLeod Murphy c1930s. Dr Murphy graduated from Melbourne College with a Medical Degree in 1937. Dr Murphy served as a navy surgeon during World War 2 and was involved with the Rats of Tobruk and the evacuation of Crete. Dr Murphy went on to become Emerald's first GP.Dr Murphy was Emerald's first and much-loved GP. His work for the community over 34 years was of immense benefit. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1977 for his service to the health of the community.Black and white studio photograph of Dr Murphy - head and torso in graduation gown.Printed on the bottom right of the photograph: "Richards & Co / Ballarat"dr ian macleod murphy, spud murphy, doctor, emerald, 1960s

An article by Douglas Alton, from the Age, dated Wednesday, April 23, 1975 that reported on children being evacuated from Saigon. Dr Forbes was the medical superintendent supervising the airlift from Saigon just prior to the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.Two newspaper articles from The Age, Wednesday 23 April, 1975. In large bold print the heading "I'm AA33, by air from Saigon" is written. Along side the article is a a photo of an infant behind cot bars in preparation for being airlifted from Vietnam. The second article is titled, "After Thieu, the danger in Saigon is a vacuum".I'm AA33, by air from Saigon/ After Thieu, the danger in Saigon is a vacuum.the age, dr john frobes, saigon, babylift, vietnam, operation babylift, post-war, post-vietnam war, refugees, adoption, orphans, war orphans

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

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

Photograph taken by Sgt WM Cooper, RAAF Public Relations PhotographerBlack and white photograph. Flying Officer Olive "Irish" Connolly, a RAAF nursing sister, checks the condition of the 2001st patient to be flown from Vietnam by Aeromedical Evacuation (Medevac) to Australia aboard a Hercules aircraft from No. 37 Squadron at Vung Tau. Adjusting the litter straps is Corporal Ian Knight, a RAAF medical orderly. The patient is Private A. E. Bermingham, a New Zealander of "Whisky" Company, 6 Royal Australian Regiment/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion.raaf nursing services, medivac, raaf, 37 sqn raaf, f.o connelly, c130 medivac flight, c130 hercules, vung tau, nurse

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

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