The Australian and New Zealanders who were killed while under operational control of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, US Army during 1965 - 66 will be listed on their National Memorial.

   This will be the only memorial on US soil to list the names of Aussies and Kiwis, quite possibly the world ... no greater honour of acknowledgement could be given to our mates.

Ray Payne OAM
173rd Airborne Brigade Association
Secretary - Chapter 23 f

President's Comment:
   We thank the 173rd Airborne Brigade for their wonderful gesture in inscribing the names of 30 Australians KIA in Vietnam on their most impressive recently dedicated memorial. In the case of 5RAR it was the intent of 173rd Abn Bde to include the names of the four 5RAR men who fell during Operation Hardihood. The operational phase of Operation Hardihood. commenced on 24 May 1966 and:

Pte Noack (B Company) was KIA that day.
Pte Sweetnam (C Company) was KIA on 9 June 
Cpl Coupe and Pte Farren (both D Company) were KIA on 10 June.

   5RAR remained under operational command of 173rd Abn Bde until 1800 hours
5 June when we came under operational command of HQ 1ATF, who had just deployed to Nui Dat. Operation Hardihood concluded on 15 June. the 173rd Abn Bde left the Nui Dat area on 8 June to conduct Operation Hollandia in the Long Hai for a period of 10 days.

To View the Power Point Presentation of the Dedication »Click Here

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