First Army Honour title awarded

14 May - In a moving ceremony on Mount Pleasant in Canberra, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffrey, AC, CVO, MC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, presented Army’s 102 Field Battery with the Australian Military’s first ever Honour Title.

The Honour Title 'Coral' was awarded to 102 Field Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, in recognition of its actions during the Vietnam War. Head of Regiment, Brigadier Phil Winter CSC, welcomed the award on behalf of the Army and gave credit to the outstanding actions of the unit during the long battle.

“This is an important day for the Australian Defence Force, and brings deserved recognition to the Gunners who fought so valiantly to hold their position in Vietnam 40 years ago,” Brigadier Winter said.

“I welcome the title Coral on behalf of the Australian Army, and hope that the story of this battle provides inspiration to our current Diggers who are serving on operations today.”

Today’s ceremony forms part of a series of activities to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the battles of Coral and Balmoral, which took place in South Vietnam during May and June of 1968 and played a significant role in securing Saigon from further attack.

“The battles were the largest and most sustained engagements of the Vietnam War involving Australian troops, and were the first Australian all arms brigade-sized operation since World War II,” Brigadier Winter said.

“Approximately 2,500 Australians participated in the battles and this is an opportunity to thank them for their service, and remember those who did not return home.”

A National Commemoration Ceremony was held at the Australian War Memorial yesterday, and on Monday a reception was hosted by the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, at Parliament House and attended by veterans, dignitaries and guests. Group commemorations in Townsville and Canberra are planned over the coming weeks.

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