The Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry
Overview
The Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry is awarded to a unit for ‘extraordinary gallantry’ in warlike operations. In 2019, Australia offered the citation to 120 members of 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, and other New Zealand Armed Forces personnel for their participation in the Battles of Coral and Balmoral in Vietnam between 12 May and 6 June 1968. These battles were among the largest and most protracted fought by the Australian Task Force in the Vietnam War. The gunners of 161 Battery received high praise for the accuracy and volume of fire support they provided at critical stages of attacks on the Australian battalion positions.
This is the first Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry offered to a New Zealand military unit. In 2010, approval was given for three New Zealand Army personnel who were attached to D Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment at the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam in 1966 to accept and wear the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry awarded to D Company.
Description
The insignia of a Unit Citation for Gallantry is a gilt rectangular frame surrounding a deep green ribbon. The frame has a design of flames emanating from the outer edges of the frame to the centre.
Eligibility
Authority to wear the insignia associated with this unit citation is only for those veterans who participated in the battles.
Current personnel of 161 Battery will not wear the insignia as a dress embellishment.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this citation
Authority to wear the insignia associated with this unit citation is only for those veterans who participated in the battles. Current personnel of 161 Battery will not wear the insignia as a dress embellishment.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Checking eligibility and applying for this citation
Veterans of 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, and New Zealand Armed Forces personnel who participated in the Battles of Coral and Balmoral in Vietnam between 12 May and 6 June 1968 are eligible for this citation.
NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) awards war, operational, and service medals to both former and current NZDF members. If you believe you or someone you know may be eligible for this citation, you can apply through our application page.
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Checking if this citation was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.