The Howard Government will provide a grant of $100,000 to help commemorate the 40th anniversary of the battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral during the Vietnam War, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said that the battles during May 1968 to defend Coral and Balmoral were among the fiercest and most protracted fought by Australian servicemen during the Vietnam War.

“Twenty-five people died during this period and the 40th anniversary of the battles will be marked with major commemorative events in Canberra and Townsville, including a ceremony at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra on 13 May 2008,” Mr Billson said.

Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, located some 20 kilometres north of the town of Bien Hoa, straddled a route used by the enemy to approach and attack Saigon. The battles there, which involved troops from Australia, with support from New Zealand and United States troops, were the largest and most sustained engagement of the Vietnam War involving Australian troops and represented the first Australian all arms brigade-sized operation since World War II.

“There were major attacks against each of Coral and Balmoral, and major engagements on an almost daily basis as aggressive Australian patrolling encountered combat units of the North Vietnamese Army,” Mr Billson said. The $100,000 grant will be provided to the Coral and Balmoral organising committee, established to mark the 40th anniversary. The committee is made up of representatives of the units involved in the battles. The funds will be put towards commemorative events to be held in May 2008.

“The Australian Government will also hold a reception to honour veterans of the Battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral in Canberra,” Mr Billson said. ”Our troops in Vietnam continued the Anzac tradition with professionalism and courage and the Australian Government is committed to increasing public awareness of the significant sacrifice and contribution made by these Australians on behalf of our nation.”