The human tragedy during the Vietnam War is almost beyond comprehension.

• Total casualties from 1961-75 have been estimated at 5.7 million.
• Total killed has been estimated at more than 2.1 million, including 56,000 Americans.
• The United States dropped 6.7 million tons of bombs on Indo-China, compared to 2.7 million tons dropped by the combined American and British Air Force on Germany during WW2. 19 million gallons of defoliants were sprayed in Vietnam, the effects of which could last for 100 years.

In 1973, Richard Nixon said, “ We achieved Peace with Honour”

In Vietnam, Radio Operators allocated the Call Sign “VAMPIRE” to the medical unit at Vung Tau and was used by all three Australian Medical Units – 2 Field Ambulance, 8 Field Ambulance and 1st Australian Field Hospital.

Vietnam War 1962 – 1972

Provision of Health Service Support to Australian and American Forces,
as well as to civilians of the Republic of South Vietnam.

In May 1962 the Australian Government announced the deployment of 30 AATTV Officers and Senior NCO Instructors to South Vietnam. On July 6 1964 Warrant Officer Kevin Conway became the first Australian Advisor to be killed in action.

The first combat troops, the advance party of 1RAR (Royal Australian Regiment) arrived at Bien Hoa on  May 25th 1965 and the main contingent of 1RAR departed Australia on the HMAS Sydney on May 27th.

At first, medical support for the Australian Troops, was provided by the Americans but during 1966, Australia increased its Force strength along with a medical contingent and there, for the first time since 1945, an Australian Army Medical Unit was at war.