From a reader in Australia comes a pointer to this story, how on August 18, 1966, 100 Australian soldiers are attacked by 1500 Viet Cong guerillas in a rubber planation at Long Tan. Since the Ozzies have been with us every step of the way in the GWOT, today, here at Castle Argghhh! we acknowledge their contributions, and express our gratitude for their steadfastness.

"I saw no one falter, each supporting his mate and defending his patch of dirt to the death," Buick says. "There were only about 12 of the platoon capable of firing. There seemed to be no one alive in 4 Section. Five Section had a couple dead and some wounded and I had no idea how 6 Section was coping on the right flank. The situation was grim and the artillery fire was still not close enough."

Go read the rest, here, at The Age.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance. In Memorium.

Hat tip to Matt from Australia for pointing it out, with this comment:

Given the recent talk of service in Vietnam by certain politicians, here is a reminder of true heroics in that conflict.

Thanks, mate!