Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
13 March 2020
It is notified for general information that the Governor-General has approved the amended citation for the following award.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM)
Australian Army
Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Vivian GILBERT (Retd), Pullenvale Qld 4069
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as the Forward Observer attached to Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, in action during the
Battle of Núi Lé in South Vietnam on 21 September 1971.
By His Excellency’s command
Paul Singer MVO
Official Secretary to the Governor-General
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM)
Australian Army
Lieutenant Colonel (then Captain) Gregory Vivian GILBERT (Retd),
Pullenvale Qld 4069
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as the Forward Observer attached to Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, in action during the
Battle of Núi Lé in South Vietnam on 21 September 1971.
On 21 September 1971 during the Battle of Núi Lé; Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, having been involved in close combat for the majority of the day found itself virtually surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force as night fell in the thick jungle of Phoc Tuy Province. The Company was reduced to 85 men and was in a rough defensive circle approximately 35 metres across. They were unable to move because of the darkness and lacked basic protection. They were running low on ammunition and were under constant fire from a strong aggressive enemy force.
Lieutenant Colonel (then Captain) Gilbert had spent the day coordinating artillery and air support which assisted the initial extraction of the Company, however he now found himself and the Company under heavy fire and unable to read his map in the darkness. Demonstrating remarkable skill, he was able to mentally calculate distances and angles to call in close artillery fire. Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert adjusted the fire using sound alone and brought it to within 100 metres of the beleaguered Company. He then moved the fire incrementally around the perimeter for hours, stalling the enemy’s potential assault and then forcing them to withdraw.
Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert’s bravery and skill under fire in extremely challenging circumstances, combined with his calm and considered tenacity in a leadership position, was critical in the defeat of the enemy and prevented Delta Company from suffering significant additional casualties. His distinguished leadership in action was in the finest traditions of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery and the Australian Army.
Overview
The Gazetted document from the Governor-General on 13 March 2020 recognises the distinguished service of Lieutenant Colonel (then Captain) Gregory Vivian Gilbert, who has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for his outstanding leadership during the Battle of Núi Lé in South Vietnam on 21 September 1971. This award acknowledges Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert's exceptional courage and tactical acumen in coordinating artillery and air support, which were pivotal in rescuing Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, from a perilous situation as they faced encirclement by a significantly larger enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert's ability to calculate and adjust artillery fire by sound alone, under intense pressure and darkness, significantly reduced enemy aggression and saved his company from substantial casualties. This recognition by the Australian government underscores the high esteem in which his bravery and leadership are held within the military community.
Scope and Application
The notification regarding the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) awarded to Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Gregory Vivian Gilbert pertains to recognising his exemplary leadership during the Battle of Núi Lé in South Vietnam on 21 September 1971. This recognition is specific to Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert's distinguished service in warlike operations while he was the Forward Observer attached to Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. The award acknowledges his critical role in coordinating artillery and air support, his precise calculation of distances and angles to call in close artillery fire under intense fire, and his decisive leadership that prevented Delta Company from suffering significant additional casualties. This recognition is bestowed by the Australian government, highlighting his bravery and skill in extremely challenging circumstances, which were instrumental in the defeat of the enemy and exemplify the finest traditions of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery and the Australian Army.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation pertain to the approval of the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Vivian Gilbert, a retired officer of the Australian Army (s. 1). This section confirms the award and the reasons for its conferral, highlighting Gilbert's distinguished leadership in warlike operations during the Battle of Núi Lé in South Vietnam on 21 September 1971. It recognises his exceptional bravery, skill, and tenacity in the face of overwhelming enemy forces, which ultimately saved Delta Company from significant casualties.
The Act imposes the formal recognition and honour of the DSM upon Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert, entitling him to wear the medal and associated accoutrements as specified by the Defence Force Honours and Awards Regulations. The award acknowledges Gilbert's significant contribution to the defence of Australia and its interests during a period of conflict, enshrining his actions in the traditions of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery and the Australian Army. This recognition is both a personal honour and a tribute to the bravery and leadership demonstrated under extreme duress.
There are no specific obligations or requirements imposed on any parties or entities by this legislation. The Act primarily serves as a formal acknowledgment of Gilbert's distinguished service and leadership. However, it implicitly acknowledges the obligation of the Australian Government to recognise and honour the service of its military personnel, in line with the Defence Force Honours and Awards Regulations.
There are no offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined in this Act for breach, as it is focused on recognising and honouring an individual's distinguished service. The Act does not mention any sanctions or legal consequences for non-compliance with the award. The primary intent is to formally recognise and celebrate Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert's exceptional service and bravery, rather than to enforce any legal obligations or penalties.