​​​‘Australian Forces Arrive at Vung Tau Commemorative Coin’
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On 3 August 1962, just thirty Australian officers and senior non-commissioned officers arrived in South Vietnam’s capital, Saigon as the newly formed Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) or ‘Team’ as it became known. Our involvement in a foreign-shore conflict that became a bitter pill for many to swallow, didn’t stop there, though. On June 8, 1965, the HMAS Sydney III - a former aircraft carrier refitted for troop transport, arrived at Vung Tau, carrying the bulk of the Australian forces, including the 1RAR. Moving battle by battle – under intense and unprecedented war conditions -our troops fought communist forces in Phuoc Tuy and the surrounding provinces successfully reducing their treacherous attacks. Distinguishing themselves bravely at Long Tan, Coral–Balmoral, Binh Ba and Long Khanh, as well as a thousand minor skirmishes – often in hand-to-hand combat with an enemy indistinguishable from civilians, the Australians added to the ANZAC Legend on a daily basis.
Tales of their mate-ship, courage, commitment and sacrifice was lost under the morass of negative media that flooded the TV screens back home. The Viet Cong’s massive 1968 Tet Offensive, though a military failure, convinced many ordinary Australians that decisive victory was impossible, whilst horrific scenes on television screens, sapped public support further. Eventually the government responded to public outrage and protest by steadily withdrawing troops and the last arrived home in December 1972. The ‘’Team’ - the first troops to deploy to South Vietnam would be among the very last to leave. In all the AATV had lost 33 men and saw 122 wounded, with four of its members awarded the Victoria Cross. All told, some 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1973, where 521 died and over 3,000 were wounded.
As we mark the 60th anniversary of our brave troops landing in Vung Tau to embark on a war that could never be won, we recognise our Vietnam Veterans as some of the most courageous ANZACs ever, this .999 Silver Commemorative Coin pays tribute to the heroic qualities which defined our Vietnam heroes from the first day they set foot in Vung Tau to their last. We like you, salute those who fought in a war unlike any other.
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• Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our Vietnam Veterans landing at Vung Tau
• 65mm .999 Silver Commemorative Coin
• Authorised by Ascension Island – approved by Buckingham Palace
• Features Certificate of Authenticity with fascinating and informative back story
• Exclusive to The Bradford Mint
Call one of our Senior Executives today on 02 9841 3324 to secure your limited-edition celebration of our Vietnam Veterans.
