Badge of honour for veterans

THE Long Tan 40th anniversary badge could become an icon alongside the Anzac Day badges and poppy symbols.
Profits from sale of the badge will go to assist veteran care.
The badge comes with a citation that depicts the battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966 and is synonymous of many other smaller battles that will go unheard of.
The citation reads: “Long Tan Rubber Plantation South Vietnam 18.8.1966.
“One hundred and eight men of D coy 6 RAR fought a pitched battle in blinding rain against a vastly greater opposition.
“For several hours the Australian soldiers held their ground with artillery support and ammo resupply dropped by choppers until relief troops arrived.
“Training, mateship and Aussie spirit prevailed.
“Many soldiers died that day.
“Eighteen were Australians.
“Lest we forget.”