Two Australian Vietnam War veterans have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry, Australia’s third-highest military honor, in separate ceremonies.
The Medal for Gallantry is ranked after the Victoria Cross and the Star of Gallantry. Since its creation in 1991, it has been awarded to 72 Australian Defence Force personnel in total.
Recipient: Garry Chad
Ceremony and Location
Garry Chad, 84, of the Gold Coast, received the Medal for Gallantry from Queensland Governor Jeannette Young at a ceremony at Currumbin RSL.
Military Service
Chad served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1975 as a sergeant in the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Action Recognized
According to the Australian Honours Registry, on July 29, 1971, in Vietnam’s Long Khahn Province, Chad’s platoon encountered a fortified bunker system held by a large enemy force. Chad advanced under heavy enemy fire, threw grenades that eliminated most enemy combatants, and was wounded in the process. Despite his injuries, he continued firing with what the registry described as "accuracy and lethality," allowing his platoon to withdraw with light casualties. Chad was the last member of his platoon to retreat.
Statements
"Chad’s actions reflect the very best of the Australian Army." — Governor Jeannette Young
Governor Young said Australian soldiers are guided by values of service, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence, which are often demonstrated in testing circumstances.
"It's the closest thing I've ever had … when you're in battle, you're so close, you look after each other." — Garry Chad
Chad said the spirit of mateship had guided him in battle.
Currumbin RSL President Michael Humphreys said the award resulted from years of work by individuals to have Chad’s honor upgraded from a Mention in Despatches.
Recipient: John O'Halloran
Ceremony and Location
John O'Halloran, a Vietnam War veteran, received the Medal of Gallantry at a ceremony at Government House in Perth from Western Australia Governor Chris Dawson.
Military Service
O'Halloran served as a second lieutenant commanding 5 Platoon, Bravo Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He was 21 years old at the time of the recognized action.
Action Recognized
During Operation Bribie in 1967, O'Halloran led a fixed bayonet charge against a Vietcong jungle stronghold. The charge was ordered to destroy a machine gun position. His men fixed bayonets and advanced under fire.
Operation Bribie was an attempt to destroy Communist forces that had attacked the village of Lang Phuoc Hai on February 17, 1967. Australian forces were helicoptered in but encountered a heavily armed enemy camp. The operation resulted in eight Australian deaths and 27 wounded.
O'Halloran was previously awarded a Mention in Despatches for this action and last year was granted the Medal for Gallantry.
Statements
"John gave the last order in our storied military history for an Australian body of soldiers facing overwhelming odds to fix their bayonets and charge forward, on foot, under fire." — Governor Chris Dawson
"I'm very honoured, and the family will be very honoured, but it's a shame my diggers didn't get it too, because they were magnificent." — John O'Halloran
Context
Approximately 60,000 Australian Defence Force personnel served in Vietnam during the war. More than 521 Australian personnel lost their lives in the conflict.