The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA047
Monday, 12 May 2008
AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST VIETNAM BATTLE REMEMBERED 40 YEARS ON
The Australian Government will hold an official reception for the veterans of the Battles of Fire
Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said today.
“This week marks the fortieth anniversary of the battle of Coral/Balmoral, Australia’s largest and
most protracted engagement of the Vietnam War,” Mr Griffin said.
“More than 2000 Australians served during these engagements, with 26 killed. It is important
that we remember and honour these veterans, and the families that have supported them for
the last forty years.”
Tonight the Australian Government will host a reception for veterans of the battles in the Great
Hall of Parliament House, Canberra.
Around 1200 veterans and their families are expected to attend, including relatives of those
killed in action.
At 10am on 13 May a National Commemorative Ceremony will be held at the Australian
Vietnam Forces National Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra.
The Australian Government has provided $100,000 to the National 40th Coral and Balmoral
Anniversary Committee to support these commemorative events.
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
Battle of Coral/Balmoral
In the early hours of 13 May 1968 the North Vietnamese attacked Fire Support Base Coral
which had been established only hours earlier on the route used by the Viet Cong to move to
and from Saigon.
The base provided defended positions for artillery, mortars and armoured vehicles which
supported infantry patrols of the area.
Fire Support Base Coral was attacked on several occasions. The Australians continued to
launch aggressive patrols from Coral, engaging in combat against North Vietnamese forces and
experiencing fierce fighting through until early June.
The North Vietnamese next turned their attention to Fire Support Base Balmoral, 4.5 kilometres
north, and on 26 May two battalions of North Vietnamese attacked the base. A second attack
followed on 28 May, but a combination of infantry, armour, aircraft, artillery and mortars from
Australian and Allied forces repelled the North Vietnamese assault.
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