Lieutenant-Colonel Colin Khan graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in December, 1951. He was allotted to the Royal Australian Infantry. After various staff and regimental appointments in Australia and overseas he was appointed commanding officer 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment on the 27th November 1967. He arrived in South Vietnam on 6th February, 1969.
5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment has demonstrated during its tour a high degree of flexibility and a capacity for rapid response to constantly changing tactical situations. The excellent record of the battalion is due to the outstanding and aggressive leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Khan. By his drive and enthusiasm, coupled with dedication and meticulous planning, he has developed a tenacious Combat unit.
Lieutenant-Colonel Khan's skilful use of intelligence, rapid appreciation of situations, and sound tactical ability has resulted in the disruption of many enemy operations, and the destruction of a large number of installations. On one occasion the careful planning, co-ordination and execution of his task resulted in the interdiction of an enemy military region headquarters causing it to redeploy approximately thirty kilometres thus seriously affecting the enemy's ability to conduct operations. On another occasion his sound leadership and drive resulted in the destruction of a district guerilla organization. In the HAT DICH Secret Zone the battalion has located and destroyed in excess of one thousand bunker systems and numerous weapons and food caches. On all operations the battalion has acquitted itself in an exemplary manner.
Throughout this period of continuous operations Lieutenant-Colonel Khan's spirit of aggression, courage under fire and resolute leadership have been an inspiration to his battalion and all who have served with him. He has welded his unit into an efficient and viable fighting organization which reflects great credit on himself, his Regiment and the Australian Army.