The Vietnamese Community in Australia has recognised Rick (Eric) Bensley’s role in the aftermath of the Battle of Long Tan by presenting him with the Republic of Vietnam’s Gallantry Cross Medal, a decoration given by South Vietnam to their troops to recognize valour and gallantry while serving in active combat against enemy forces.

This Gallantry Cross had originally been presented to a Vietnamese soldier who then requested that, on his death, the medal be awarded to an Aussie soldier who had fought alongside the South Vietnamese, to say thank you.

“To have been chosen to receive this most prestigious award is almost beyond my belief,” says Rick who lives in Kiama and was Manager of the NAB from 1983-90 before retiring due to post traumatic stress.

He was called up for National Service in the first intake on June 30, 1965.

He joined C Company of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and rose to Corporal, Section Commander, in charge of nine front-line soldiers.

“Not only am I intensely humbled but I am extremely proud, not only for myself but for the many wonderful and dedicated returned servicemen that I stand to represent.

“I have respect for the soldier who originally earned and received this most prestigious Cross of Gallantry and I will ensure that the fellow servicemen from my Company (C Company of 6 Battalion) are aware that I have this medal and where it came from.”

Rick at the presentation in Cabramatta

At the recent presentation ceremony, Paul Huy Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia, NSW Chapter, says, “We were so honoured to present Eric with this Gallantry Cross. The Vietnamese community pays honour, respect and tribute to those that fought for us to protect our freedom in South Vietnam.

“We remember the sacrifices of those who died and say thank you to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War. We owe them the deepest gratitude.”

The Battle of Long Tan, fought on August 18, 1966, was one of the most significant battles in which Australians were involved during the 10 year Vietnamese War.

Seventeen Australians were killed, 22 wounded in action and an unknown number have died since, due to the aftereffects of such a war.

Of the North Vietnamese, 245 were killed in action, 500 wounded and 3 captured.

While D Company took the brunt of the fighting at Long Tan, Rick’s company entered the site early next morning.

“It was an horrific experience. We entered with great fear and caution. This experience was unprecedented. The bodies of the dead lay where they had fallen with their silent weapons pointing towards us.

“It was difficult to tell if they were dead or alive. We buried 245 bodies that day. The heat, flies and stench was horrible. This experience left deep and lasting emotional imprints on our minds. We stayed on site for a few days. Every minute there was pain and suffering going through the battle site.”

Rick returned home on June 14, 1966 and was discharged from the Army on June 28, 1967.

A year ago, he was presented with a Citation of Honour certificate from the Vietnamese Community of Wollongong.

“Having contact with the Wollongong Vietnamese Community has been wonderful,” he says.

Terese Tran, President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia, Wollongong Chapter, then suggested that Rick receive this latest unique honour.

Terese fled Vietnam as a young girl unable to speak English, and now owns a significant accountancy firm in Wollongong.

“When the communists invaded the South in 1975, millions of Vietnamese refugees made a dangerous journey to the sea… to escape the brutal regime. They did not have a choice, either that or stay and be oppressed or persecuted by the regime.

“The Australian Army are forever our heroes. Their sacrifice will forever be in our hearts.”

Terese says she is incredibly proud that Rick was the recipient of such an honour.

“We are eternally indebted to Mr Bensley for his ultimate sacrifice in the mission to defend for freedom and independence of the Republic of Vietnam against the communist invasion.”

Rick says, “The award service in Cabramatta was incredible. I had no idea that the community was so involved in celebrating this day. The Vietnamese community’s respect for Australians going over there to fight for them is unbelievable. They go head over heels in saying thank you.

“I was so very honoured to receive this award. If my father had been presented with this medal, I would like to keep it in the family. But this Vietnamese family said no, this medal must go to an Australian because they fought side-by-side with us.”

Rick has been a Justice of the Peace for 50 years and is an active member of the Kiama Lions Club.

This September marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Australia’s withdrawal from Vietnam.