Latest news with #VietnamCampaignMedal
The Advertiser
a day ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Vietnam Veterans Day marks fresh call for recognition
Having not always felt fully recognised by their kind, 2500 Australians excluded from receiving the Vietnam Campaign Medal continue their struggle to be acknowledged. The Vietnam Veterans Association and the RSL are calling on the federal government to award the honour to the contingent, who were among 60,000 Australians to serve in the conflict between 1962 and 1975, but remain without acknowledgement due to a technicality. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Navy veteran Bob Braithwaite finally received his medal last week after multiple applications and rejections. After joining up as a teenager, he served 120 days in Vietnam before having to return due to injury. "It's very hard, very hard," Mr Braithwaite told AAP from his home in Adelaide. "You weren't recognised as a full veteran in my books ... you could say it felt like being a car with only three wheels." Conscripted into service and sent to fight in a deeply unpopular war, the veterans awaiting recognition completed at least 60 days in-country, serving under harrowing conditions. Because their national service obligations ended before they reached the 181-day threshold, they were sent home and denied the campaign medal - and the recognition and respect many of their comrades received. Made to feel like they had not done enough, some were labelled "short-timers" and have since carried the burden. Mr Braithwaite takes medication for PTSD and undergoes a twice-yearly psychological check-up. "You'd go to a hotel on ANZAC Day to have lunch and celebrate with your wife and a couple of close friends, and the guys with the full medals would kind of look at you a bit funny, and you'd think, 'oh, OK, I haven't finished the progress to become a full veteran'. "But the stigma has slowly worn off ... and we seem, the older we get, the fewer we get, to get more appreciation for what we've done." The broader community and RSL failed to treat veterans well or welcome Vietnam vets when they returned. NSW president Ray James, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, was among those to deliver a formal apology on Vietnam Veterans Day in 2023. The end of the Vietnam War, Australia's longest military engagement of the 20th century, will be commemorated on Monday, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Services will be conducted in communities throughout Australia, including a major gathering of servicemen and women in Sydney's Martin Place. Some 3000 Australians were wounded during the conflict and 524 died during or as a result of their service in Vietnam. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046 Having not always felt fully recognised by their kind, 2500 Australians excluded from receiving the Vietnam Campaign Medal continue their struggle to be acknowledged. The Vietnam Veterans Association and the RSL are calling on the federal government to award the honour to the contingent, who were among 60,000 Australians to serve in the conflict between 1962 and 1975, but remain without acknowledgement due to a technicality. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Navy veteran Bob Braithwaite finally received his medal last week after multiple applications and rejections. After joining up as a teenager, he served 120 days in Vietnam before having to return due to injury. "It's very hard, very hard," Mr Braithwaite told AAP from his home in Adelaide. "You weren't recognised as a full veteran in my books ... you could say it felt like being a car with only three wheels." Conscripted into service and sent to fight in a deeply unpopular war, the veterans awaiting recognition completed at least 60 days in-country, serving under harrowing conditions. Because their national service obligations ended before they reached the 181-day threshold, they were sent home and denied the campaign medal - and the recognition and respect many of their comrades received. Made to feel like they had not done enough, some were labelled "short-timers" and have since carried the burden. Mr Braithwaite takes medication for PTSD and undergoes a twice-yearly psychological check-up. "You'd go to a hotel on ANZAC Day to have lunch and celebrate with your wife and a couple of close friends, and the guys with the full medals would kind of look at you a bit funny, and you'd think, 'oh, OK, I haven't finished the progress to become a full veteran'. "But the stigma has slowly worn off ... and we seem, the older we get, the fewer we get, to get more appreciation for what we've done." The broader community and RSL failed to treat veterans well or welcome Vietnam vets when they returned. NSW president Ray James, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, was among those to deliver a formal apology on Vietnam Veterans Day in 2023. The end of the Vietnam War, Australia's longest military engagement of the 20th century, will be commemorated on Monday, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Services will be conducted in communities throughout Australia, including a major gathering of servicemen and women in Sydney's Martin Place. Some 3000 Australians were wounded during the conflict and 524 died during or as a result of their service in Vietnam. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046 Having not always felt fully recognised by their kind, 2500 Australians excluded from receiving the Vietnam Campaign Medal continue their struggle to be acknowledged. The Vietnam Veterans Association and the RSL are calling on the federal government to award the honour to the contingent, who were among 60,000 Australians to serve in the conflict between 1962 and 1975, but remain without acknowledgement due to a technicality. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Navy veteran Bob Braithwaite finally received his medal last week after multiple applications and rejections. After joining up as a teenager, he served 120 days in Vietnam before having to return due to injury. "It's very hard, very hard," Mr Braithwaite told AAP from his home in Adelaide. "You weren't recognised as a full veteran in my books ... you could say it felt like being a car with only three wheels." Conscripted into service and sent to fight in a deeply unpopular war, the veterans awaiting recognition completed at least 60 days in-country, serving under harrowing conditions. Because their national service obligations ended before they reached the 181-day threshold, they were sent home and denied the campaign medal - and the recognition and respect many of their comrades received. Made to feel like they had not done enough, some were labelled "short-timers" and have since carried the burden. Mr Braithwaite takes medication for PTSD and undergoes a twice-yearly psychological check-up. "You'd go to a hotel on ANZAC Day to have lunch and celebrate with your wife and a couple of close friends, and the guys with the full medals would kind of look at you a bit funny, and you'd think, 'oh, OK, I haven't finished the progress to become a full veteran'. "But the stigma has slowly worn off ... and we seem, the older we get, the fewer we get, to get more appreciation for what we've done." The broader community and RSL failed to treat veterans well or welcome Vietnam vets when they returned. NSW president Ray James, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, was among those to deliver a formal apology on Vietnam Veterans Day in 2023. The end of the Vietnam War, Australia's longest military engagement of the 20th century, will be commemorated on Monday, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Services will be conducted in communities throughout Australia, including a major gathering of servicemen and women in Sydney's Martin Place. Some 3000 Australians were wounded during the conflict and 524 died during or as a result of their service in Vietnam. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046 Having not always felt fully recognised by their kind, 2500 Australians excluded from receiving the Vietnam Campaign Medal continue their struggle to be acknowledged. The Vietnam Veterans Association and the RSL are calling on the federal government to award the honour to the contingent, who were among 60,000 Australians to serve in the conflict between 1962 and 1975, but remain without acknowledgement due to a technicality. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Navy veteran Bob Braithwaite finally received his medal last week after multiple applications and rejections. After joining up as a teenager, he served 120 days in Vietnam before having to return due to injury. "It's very hard, very hard," Mr Braithwaite told AAP from his home in Adelaide. "You weren't recognised as a full veteran in my books ... you could say it felt like being a car with only three wheels." Conscripted into service and sent to fight in a deeply unpopular war, the veterans awaiting recognition completed at least 60 days in-country, serving under harrowing conditions. Because their national service obligations ended before they reached the 181-day threshold, they were sent home and denied the campaign medal - and the recognition and respect many of their comrades received. Made to feel like they had not done enough, some were labelled "short-timers" and have since carried the burden. Mr Braithwaite takes medication for PTSD and undergoes a twice-yearly psychological check-up. "You'd go to a hotel on ANZAC Day to have lunch and celebrate with your wife and a couple of close friends, and the guys with the full medals would kind of look at you a bit funny, and you'd think, 'oh, OK, I haven't finished the progress to become a full veteran'. "But the stigma has slowly worn off ... and we seem, the older we get, the fewer we get, to get more appreciation for what we've done." The broader community and RSL failed to treat veterans well or welcome Vietnam vets when they returned. NSW president Ray James, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, was among those to deliver a formal apology on Vietnam Veterans Day in 2023. The end of the Vietnam War, Australia's longest military engagement of the 20th century, will be commemorated on Monday, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Services will be conducted in communities throughout Australia, including a major gathering of servicemen and women in Sydney's Martin Place. Some 3000 Australians were wounded during the conflict and 524 died during or as a result of their service in Vietnam. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046
Perth Now
a day ago
- General
- Perth Now
Vietnam Veterans Day marks fresh call for recognition
Having not always felt fully recognised by their kind, 2500 Australians excluded from receiving the Vietnam Campaign Medal continue their struggle to be acknowledged. The Vietnam Veterans Association and the RSL are calling on the federal government to award the honour to the contingent, who were among 60,000 Australians to serve in the conflict between 1962 and 1975, but remain without acknowledgement due to a technicality. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Navy veteran Bob Braithwaite finally received his medal last week after multiple applications and rejections. After joining up as a teenager, he served 120 days in Vietnam before having to return due to injury. "It's very hard, very hard," Mr Braithwaite told AAP from his home in Adelaide. "You weren't recognised as a full veteran in my books ... you could say it felt like being a car with only three wheels." Conscripted into service and sent to fight in a deeply unpopular war, the veterans awaiting recognition completed at least 60 days in-country, serving under harrowing conditions. Because their national service obligations ended before they reached the 181-day threshold, they were sent home and denied the campaign medal - and the recognition and respect many of their comrades received. Made to feel like they had not done enough, some were labelled "short-timers" and have since carried the burden. Mr Braithwaite takes medication for PTSD and undergoes a twice-yearly psychological check-up. "You'd go to a hotel on ANZAC Day to have lunch and celebrate with your wife and a couple of close friends, and the guys with the full medals would kind of look at you a bit funny, and you'd think, 'oh, OK, I haven't finished the progress to become a full veteran'. "But the stigma has slowly worn off ... and we seem, the older we get, the fewer we get, to get more appreciation for what we've done." The broader community and RSL failed to treat veterans well or welcome Vietnam vets when they returned. NSW president Ray James, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, was among those to deliver a formal apology on Vietnam Veterans Day in 2023. The end of the Vietnam War, Australia's longest military engagement of the 20th century, will be commemorated on Monday, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Services will be conducted in communities throughout Australia, including a major gathering of servicemen and women in Sydney's Martin Place. Some 3000 Australians were wounded during the conflict and 524 died during or as a result of their service in Vietnam. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Warnerville veteran is honored by state Senate
A Schoharie County military veteran has been added to the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame. Sen. Peter Oberacker announced Tuesday that he recognized Richard 'Bunk' Bingham, a retired Army first sergeant from Warnerville, as the 2025 inductee for the 51st Senate District. "This prestigious honor celebrates a lifetime of selfless military service, leadership and unwavering commitment to our nation," a news release from Oberacker's office stated. 'It is my distinct honor today to celebrate a true American hero whose life has been defined by a selfless and unwavering commitment to our nation,' Oberacker said. '1st Sgt. Bingham answered the call to duty during one of the most turbulent times in American history and has never stopped giving back.' Bingham's military service began April 23, 1968, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Aviation Brigade, the release stated. He served as a motorpool sergeant and returned home in December 1969. In 1977, he resumed service with the 414th Civil Affairs Company in Utica, later joining the 426th Civil Affairs Company in California as a military police supervisor. After returning to New York, he dedicated seven years to mentoring recruits as a basic training first sergeant with the 1165th Training Unit, according to the release. During his time in uniform, Bingham earned numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal, the release stated. He retired with the rank of first sergeant in 2007, "closing a distinguished military career marked by humility, courage and an everlasting dedication." 'To Bunk, wearing the uniform was never just an obligation, but a sacred privilege,' Oberacker said. 'His story is an inspiration to me personally and to all who know him. We are proud to honor his service and the values he continues to embody."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Warnerville veteran is honored by state Senate
A Schoharie County military veteran has been added to the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame. Sen. Peter Oberacker announced Tuesday that he recognized Richard 'Bunk' Bingham, a retired Army first sergeant from Warnerville, as the 2025 inductee for the 51st Senate District. "This prestigious honor celebrates a lifetime of selfless military service, leadership and unwavering commitment to our nation," a news release from Oberacker's office stated. 'It is my distinct honor today to celebrate a true American hero whose life has been defined by a selfless and unwavering commitment to our nation,' Oberacker said. '1st Sgt. Bingham answered the call to duty during one of the most turbulent times in American history and has never stopped giving back.' Bingham's military service began April 23, 1968, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Aviation Brigade, the release stated. He served as a motorpool sergeant and returned home in December 1969. In 1977, he resumed service with the 414th Civil Affairs Company in Utica, later joining the 426th Civil Affairs Company in California as a military police supervisor. After returning to New York, he dedicated seven years to mentoring recruits as a basic training first sergeant with the 1165th Training Unit, according to the release. During his time in uniform, Bingham earned numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal, the release stated. He retired with the rank of first sergeant in 2007, "closing a distinguished military career marked by humility, courage and an everlasting dedication." 'To Bunk, wearing the uniform was never just an obligation, but a sacred privilege,' Oberacker said. 'His story is an inspiration to me personally and to all who know him. We are proud to honor his service and the values he continues to embody."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Highway named in honor of Vietnam war hero Mac Hamburg
CLARKE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A segment of State Route 513 South in Clarke County was designated as the 'Lance Corporal Mac Hamburg, USMC, Memorial Highway.' This part of the highway was renamed in honor of Lance Corporal Mac Hamburg, a U.S. Marine Corps soldier who died while serving in the Vietnam War. The ceremony was held at Enterprise Town Hall in Enterprise on May 16. Mississippi homeowners advised to mitigate wildfire risks Mac Hamburg was born March 25, 1942, in Quitman to Glade and Levy Collins Hamburg. In 1961, he graduated from Enterprise High School, where he was lauded for his athleticism and recognized as a Class Favorite. Hamburg attended Jones County Junior College where he played football and was named an All-State lineman in 1964. After college, Hamburg enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. He trained at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina and was sent to Vietnam. On March 18, 1968, Hamburg was involved in a fierce, 12-hour battle in the Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Infantry Combat Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Square Medal and the Purple Heart for his courageous actions that day. Starting in 1978, Enterprise High School began giving the 'Mac Hamburg Award' to a football player that best exemplifies the athletic characteristics of Mac Hamburg, carrying his legacy forward to the next generation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
