Gallantry Awards, Long Tan, Vietnam, 18 August 1966

Overview

The Gazette C2016G01442, dated 2 November 2016, announces the Governor-General's approval of gallantry awards for service during the Vietnam War, specifically for the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. This notification serves to honour and recognise the extraordinary bravery of various military personnel who displayed exceptional courage and heroism under hazardous conditions. The Australian Parliament enacts such honours to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions and sacrifices made by these individuals in the line of duty. The policy objective is to provide public recognition and to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force members who have demonstrated acts of gallantry in the face of danger.

Scope and Application

The notification regarding the approval of gallantry awards for actions during the Vietnam War, as gazetted under the authority of the Governor-General, pertains specifically to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional acts of bravery in combat. The recipients of the Medal for Gallantry and the Commendation for Gallantry, all members of the Australian Army, are recognised for their valor during the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. This recognition applies to both living and deceased soldiers who served in the 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. The geographic scope of the awards is national, given that the recipients served under the Australian Defence Force in a conflict overseas. The awards are retrospective, acknowledging acts of bravery that occurred during a historical military engagement, and do not extend to any specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds as they are honours bestowed for distinguished service rather than regulated conduct or transactions. The application and criteria for such awards are likely governed by military protocols and regulations, although the specific legislative framework governing these honours is not detailed within the gazette.

Key Provisions

The gazette C2016G01442 from 2 November 2016 notifies the general public of the Governor-General's approval of Gallantry awards for acts of bravery during the Vietnam War (section 1). Specifically, the Medal for Gallantry (section 2) is awarded to Mr Frank Alcorta (then Sergeant) of the Australian Army for his actions during the Battle of Long Tan, Mr Barry Eugene Magnussen (late of South Australia) for his actions as a member of 4 Section, 11 Platoon, D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and Colonel Francis Adrian Roberts (then Lieutenant) for his role as Commander of 3 Troop, 1 Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron during the same battle. The Commendation for Gallantry (section 3) is awarded to Mr Neil Raymond Bextrum (then Private) for his actions as a member of 7 Section, 12 Platoon, D Company of the 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, Mr Ronald Howard Brett (late of Queensland) for his actions as a member of 2 Platoon, A Company, Mr Ian Martin Campbell (then Private) for his actions as a member of 10 Platoon, D Company, Mr Noel John Grimes (then Private) for his actions as a member of 12 Platoon, D Company, Mr Geoffrey Michael Peters (then Private) for his actions as a member and later acting section commander of 1 Section, 10 Platoon, D Company, Mr William Alfred Roche (then Private) for his actions as a section second in command and section commander in 10 Platoon, D Company, and Mr Gordon Cameron Sharp (late of New South Wales, then Second Lieutenant) for his actions as the platoon commander of 11 Platoon, D Company. The gazette outlines the bravery of these soldiers in hazardous circumstances, providing a record of their acts of gallantry during the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. It highlights the specific roles and actions of each recipient, acknowledging their bravery and sacrifice. The awards recognise the exceptional courage displayed by these individuals in the face of danger, demonstrating their commitment to duty and the protection of others. The gazette does not impose any obligations or requirements on the parties or entities it governs. It serves a commemorative and recognition purpose, acknowledging the bravery of the recipients and preserving their actions for posterity. The awards themselves do not entail any specific duties or responsibilities for the recipients or any other parties. There are no offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned in the gazette for breach. The document is purely informational, notifying the public of the Governor-General's approval of the Gallantry awards and providing details of the recipients' acts of bravery. It does not contain any provisions related to enforcement, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance.