Legendary Long Tan veteran Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith dies

dorian · Guru

Legendary Long Tan veteran Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith dies

Possum3 · Guru

VALE Harry, He was well admired by Veterans.

rmoor · Senior Member

I was watching the Vietnam story on the ABC last night and noticed the memorial at the end of the show to Lt Col. Harry Smith.
Thought last night - didn't know he had passed on?
We have one of the vets he finally managed to get recognition for the nine or so he felt deserved the honour still living in our little country town.
Long Tan was an extraordinary action and it is important we remember those who served in that conflict.
I don't distinguish between those fellas and my late fathers 78 squadron at Milne Bat, Neumfor, New Hollandia, Borneo etc.
Just wish some of those in this country would recognise how lucky they are to be living under this Australian flag as none of us would be here if it wasn't for a few good men.
.

Cupie · Guru

This post prompted me to grab a book from my library .. Paul Ham's "Vietnam The Australian War".

Paul Ham is a hard read for my ageing brain, perhaps because of the amount of detail that he includes.

Inserted in my copy of the book at chapter 18 "Long Tan - Action" was a print out headed "This is Harry Smith's brief account of the Battle". Unfortunately, I didn't include my source. Together with it was my chart of the Au troop disposition. It seems that I had been doing some research before going to see "Danger Close". In fact I can recall whispering into my Wife's ear all through the movie to give background on the action & making corrections/or confirming the plot (which was quite factual actually) - must have really pissed her off.

Against the name Maj. Harry Smith in my note was the comment ... 'ex Commando (SAS) three ticks & V'good Soldier' ... What an understatement!

I'll certainly be putting aside my novel tonight to re-read Col. Smith's account, which will of course lead me to go back to a few chapters of Paul Ham's book. A long night ahead.

RIP Lt. Col Harry Smith ... without doubt one of Australia's finest.

Magnarc · Guru

I did my army service in the UK so had little knowledge of the battles in Vietnam. I have since read some accounts of what went on there and I heartily endorse the views expressed by others on here.

Vale, Lieutenant Smith. You did your duty and did it well.