Photo: Supplied / NZ Defence ForceFor the first time the Australian Army has formally honoured a New Zealand Army unit for courage, for supporting their operations in the Vietnam War. Forces Commander of the Australian Army, Major General Gregory Bilton, presented the honours on Friday, saying the recognition was "well deserved and long overdue." Vietnam veterans spokesman Pat Duggan, who also served with the New Zealand artillery in Vietnam, said even after 50 years, the award was still "magnificent", and the right thing to do. The New Zealand artillery that served in Vietnam had an excellent reputation internationally for accuracy and 'rolling up their sleeves' to get the job done, he said. New Zealand soldiers have been awarded citations by the Australian Army before, but this is the first time a whole unit has been recognised.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 06, 2019 22:41 UTC