Media Alert: Investiture of Long Tan awards

12 August 2010

The Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, will invest two awards for actions during the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam on August 18th, 1966, at a ceremony at Government House, Yarralumla, on Tuesday, August the 17th.

The Medal for Gallantry will be presented to Major Geoff Kendall MG (Ret’d) and the Distinguished Service Medal will be presented to Mrs Joan Dohle on behalf of her husband, Flight Lieutenant Clifford Dohle DSM (deceased).

The Medal for Gallantry is awarded to military personnel for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances, and the Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for distinguished leadership in action.

In the Battle of Long Tan, Australian forces suffered 17 men killed in action, one man who died of wounds, and 24 wounded. The enemy forces suffered at least 245 men killed, 500 wounded and 3 captured.

The ceremony will begin at 12.00 pm and conclude at 12.20 pm.

Media wishing to attend the investiture should send notification and requests via email to niree.creed@gg.gov.au no later than 5.00 p.m. Monday, August 16th.

Media representatives will need to provide photographic proof of identification and arrive at Government House no later than 11.45 am.