Vietnam War Veterans honoured with commemorative medallion

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh have announced the launch of a special medallion to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

The medallion serves as a small but meaningful way to commemorate the service, sacrifice, and courage of veterans and the impact on family members and loved ones.



In a statement published on the last week of March, Mr Albanese shared that the medallions are available for every veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

‘Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, more than 3,000 were wounded, and 523 tragically lost their lives. We must honour those who served and the families that support them,’ he said.

He added that the launch of the medallions would continue throughout the year, culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day on 18 August 2023.

Aside from the commemorative medallion, Vietnam War veterans will also receive a Certificate of Commemoration.


soldier1.jpg
Vietnam War veterans are eligible to receive a commemorative medallion. Credit: Shutterstock

One medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), it is ‘advisable’ to make an agreement with the family of a deceased veteran to determine who will receive the medallion and certificate.

‘The registration system prevents multiple people applying on behalf of the same veteran,’ they added.

Additionally, a widow or a family member of a veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Although the family member doesn’t need to be the immediate family of the deceased veteran, it should be assumed that the immediate family members would have priority.

The medallion is free, so be wary of people selling commemorative medallions online.



The medallion’s design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top and ‘Australia remembers’ at the bottom.

The other side of the medallion will feature words of thanks at the bottom, with the years 1962-73 inscribed at the top. This represents the years that Australia was involved in the Vietnam War.

The medallion will also feature a UH-1 Iroquois ‘Huey’ Helicopter, a depiction of HMAS Sydney (III) ‘Vung Tau Ferry’ and an Australian soldier holding an SLR.

It will be presented in a display case and will include a card that explains the design with a brief expression of thanks.


soldier2.jpg
The design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top. Credit: DVA

The design of the commemorative certificate will complement the medallion. The design includes the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and ‘Australia Remembers’ wording and includes the signature of both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.

The certificate will come in its own folder that allows independent display, framing, and mounting. Only one physical copy of the certificate will be made available and will accompany the medallion. However, PDF versions of the certificate will be available and can be obtained through the normal application process.

‘You will notice that the option to receive the medallion is not available if someone has already applied,’ DVA stated.



Based on the FAQs from the DVA website, the medallions and certificates are ‘expected to be distributed in June for those who have applied prior to or in June’.

‘Any subsequent applications are expected to be distributed within three weeks of submitting an application,’ they explained.

Medallions and certificates can even be sent overseas. However, DVA said to expect the delivery times to be delayed.

‘Your experiences during and after the war are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and the debt of gratitude we owe each and every one of you,’ Prime Minister Albanese stated.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh also issued a statement, saying that the Vietnam War was ‘at times’ contentious. ‘For some veterans, their service was not recognised as it should have been,’ he added.

‘To each and every one of our Vietnam veterans: We honour you. We thank you,’ Mr Keogh continued.

Applications can be made online at National Mail & Marketing through this link. If you are having difficulties with your application and require assistance, please phone 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) between 9 am and 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday, and when prompted, say the word ‘medallions’.

If you are unsure if a veteran served in Vietnam and is eligible for a medallion and certificate, you can check the DVA Nominal Roll. If you believe a name is missing from the Nominal Roll please contact the Department via email at [email protected].
Key Takeaways
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh launched a commemorative medallion to honour those who served in the Vietnam War.
  • The medallion serves as a way to recognise the sacrifices made by Vietnam War veterans and their families.
  • Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, with over 3,000 wounded and 523 lost lives.
  • Vietnam War veterans, widows of veterans, and family members of veterans can apply for the medallion, and a national commemorative service will take place on Vietnam Veterans' Day, 18 August 2023.
Thank you to all the courageous veterans who served in the Vietnam War. Are you a war veteran? Will you be applying for the medallion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
 
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh have announced the launch of a special medallion to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

The medallion serves as a small but meaningful way to commemorate the service, sacrifice, and courage of veterans and the impact on family members and loved ones.



In a statement published on the last week of March, Mr Albanese shared that the medallions are available for every veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

‘Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, more than 3,000 were wounded, and 523 tragically lost their lives. We must honour those who served and the families that support them,’ he said.

He added that the launch of the medallions would continue throughout the year, culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day on 18 August 2023.

Aside from the commemorative medallion, Vietnam War veterans will also receive a Certificate of Commemoration.


View attachment 17383
Vietnam War veterans are eligible to receive a commemorative medallion. Credit: Shutterstock

One medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), it is ‘advisable’ to make an agreement with the family of a deceased veteran to determine who will receive the medallion and certificate.

‘The registration system prevents multiple people applying on behalf of the same veteran,’ they added.

Additionally, a widow or a family member of a veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Although the family member doesn’t need to be the immediate family of the deceased veteran, it should be assumed that the immediate family members would have priority.

The medallion is free, so be wary of people selling commemorative medallions online.



The medallion’s design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top and ‘Australia remembers’ at the bottom.

The other side of the medallion will feature words of thanks at the bottom, with the years 1962-73 inscribed at the top. This represents the years that Australia was involved in the Vietnam War.

The medallion will also feature a UH-1 Iroquois ‘Huey’ Helicopter, a depiction of HMAS Sydney (III) ‘Vung Tau Ferry’ and an Australian soldier holding an SLR.

It will be presented in a display case and will include a card that explains the design with a brief expression of thanks.


View attachment 17384
The design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top. Credit: DVA

The design of the commemorative certificate will complement the medallion. The design includes the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and ‘Australia Remembers’ wording and includes the signature of both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.

The certificate will come in its own folder that allows independent display, framing, and mounting. Only one physical copy of the certificate will be made available and will accompany the medallion. However, PDF versions of the certificate will be available and can be obtained through the normal application process.

‘You will notice that the option to receive the medallion is not available if someone has already applied,’ DVA stated.



Based on the FAQs from the DVA website, the medallions and certificates are ‘expected to be distributed in June for those who have applied prior to or in June’.

‘Any subsequent applications are expected to be distributed within three weeks of submitting an application,’ they explained.

Medallions and certificates can even be sent overseas. However, DVA said to expect the delivery times to be delayed.

‘Your experiences during and after the war are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and the debt of gratitude we owe each and every one of you,’ Prime Minister Albanese stated.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh also issued a statement, saying that the Vietnam War was ‘at times’ contentious. ‘For some veterans, their service was not recognised as it should have been,’ he added.

‘To each and every one of our Vietnam veterans: We honour you. We thank you,’ Mr Keogh continued.

Applications can be made online at National Mail & Marketing through this link. If you are having difficulties with your application and require assistance, please phone 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) between 9 am and 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday, and when prompted, say the word ‘medallions’.

If you are unsure if a veteran served in Vietnam and is eligible for a medallion and certificate, you can check the DVA Nominal Roll. If you believe a name is missing from the Nominal Roll please contact the Department via email at [email protected].
Key Takeaways

  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh launched a commemorative medallion to honour those who served in the Vietnam War.
  • The medallion serves as a way to recognise the sacrifices made by Vietnam War veterans and their families.
  • Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, with over 3,000 wounded and 523 lost lives.
  • Vietnam War veterans, widows of veterans, and family members of veterans can apply for the medallion, and a national commemorative service will take place on Vietnam Veterans' Day, 18 August 2023.
Thank you to all the courageous veterans who served in the Vietnam War. Are you a war veteran? Will you be applying for the medallion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
these war veterans should not have to apply. They should be given out, if not to the vet then to his family. They are all registered surely.
 
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh have announced the launch of a special medallion to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

The medallion serves as a small but meaningful way to commemorate the service, sacrifice, and courage of veterans and the impact on family members and loved ones.



In a statement published on the last week of March, Mr Albanese shared that the medallions are available for every veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

‘Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, more than 3,000 were wounded, and 523 tragically lost their lives. We must honour those who served and the families that support them,’ he said.

He added that the launch of the medallions would continue throughout the year, culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day on 18 August 2023.

Aside from the commemorative medallion, Vietnam War veterans will also receive a Certificate of Commemoration.


View attachment 17383
Vietnam War veterans are eligible to receive a commemorative medallion. Credit: Shutterstock

One medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), it is ‘advisable’ to make an agreement with the family of a deceased veteran to determine who will receive the medallion and certificate.

‘The registration system prevents multiple people applying on behalf of the same veteran,’ they added.

Additionally, a widow or a family member of a veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Although the family member doesn’t need to be the immediate family of the deceased veteran, it should be assumed that the immediate family members would have priority.

The medallion is free, so be wary of people selling commemorative medallions online.



The medallion’s design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top and ‘Australia remembers’ at the bottom.

The other side of the medallion will feature words of thanks at the bottom, with the years 1962-73 inscribed at the top. This represents the years that Australia was involved in the Vietnam War.

The medallion will also feature a UH-1 Iroquois ‘Huey’ Helicopter, a depiction of HMAS Sydney (III) ‘Vung Tau Ferry’ and an Australian soldier holding an SLR.

It will be presented in a display case and will include a card that explains the design with a brief expression of thanks.


View attachment 17384
The design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top. Credit: DVA

The design of the commemorative certificate will complement the medallion. The design includes the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and ‘Australia Remembers’ wording and includes the signature of both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.

The certificate will come in its own folder that allows independent display, framing, and mounting. Only one physical copy of the certificate will be made available and will accompany the medallion. However, PDF versions of the certificate will be available and can be obtained through the normal application process.

‘You will notice that the option to receive the medallion is not available if someone has already applied,’ DVA stated.



Based on the FAQs from the DVA website, the medallions and certificates are ‘expected to be distributed in June for those who have applied prior to or in June’.

‘Any subsequent applications are expected to be distributed within three weeks of submitting an application,’ they explained.

Medallions and certificates can even be sent overseas. However, DVA said to expect the delivery times to be delayed.

‘Your experiences during and after the war are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and the debt of gratitude we owe each and every one of you,’ Prime Minister Albanese stated.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh also issued a statement, saying that the Vietnam War was ‘at times’ contentious. ‘For some veterans, their service was not recognised as it should have been,’ he added.

‘To each and every one of our Vietnam veterans: We honour you. We thank you,’ Mr Keogh continued.

Applications can be made online at National Mail & Marketing through this link. If you are having difficulties with your application and require assistance, please phone 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) between 9 am and 5 pm AEST Monday to Friday, and when prompted, say the word ‘medallions’.

If you are unsure if a veteran served in Vietnam and is eligible for a medallion and certificate, you can check the DVA Nominal Roll. If you believe a name is missing from the Nominal Roll please contact the Department via email at [email protected].
Key Takeaways

  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh launched a commemorative medallion to honour those who served in the Vietnam War.
  • The medallion serves as a way to recognise the sacrifices made by Vietnam War veterans and their families.
  • Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, with over 3,000 wounded and 523 lost lives.
  • Vietnam War veterans, widows of veterans, and family members of veterans can apply for the medallion, and a national commemorative service will take place on Vietnam Veterans' Day, 18 August 2023.
Thank you to all the courageous veterans who served in the Vietnam War. Are you a war veteran? Will you be applying for the medallion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Are Merchant Seamen eligible to receive the medallion, as being in a reserved occupation in any conflict involving supply?
 
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Reactions: Jarred Santos
Hello @Luckyus! Sorry I wouldn't be able to answer that confidently :( that said, you might want to reach the DVA regarding that here: https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/contact
Hello Jarred: Actually I wasn't expecting a definitive answer as I very much doubt that any politician would be able to answer that plus very few civil servants either? It's a little known fact that one of the greatest losses of life in both world wars was of Merchant Seafarers.
 
Our boys were conscripted and had no say in any of it... they were heros one and all of them. Including the ones who stood up and refused to go as that too took great courage...

My next for neighbour went and wrote asking for contract from myself so he could feel that he mattered back home... when he returned he was no longer a boy but a broken traumatised man.. he died some years later by his own choice... a hero to the end..

War is brokered by men... there are no winners and no losers.. all of humanity suffers except the cold blooded ones who initiated and carried out their desired agendas .. ... humanity needs to learn very quickly that the brotherhood of man/women matters and to be aware that the children are watching and learning from our actions or lack of them. The Anzacs, all are heroes, our military, airforce and navy and the behind scenes workers are all heroes and deserving of medals, time the Viet Vets were honoured and their families too as they also exercised courage and experienced great loss in many eats and are deserving of our love, gratitude and respect😊🙏💜
 
About time. I remember that these poor veterans where considered not entitled to march on Anzac Day. They fought for the exact same thing and then there was 'conscription as well. The birthday date draw. These men joined up, some did not make it back, some did injured forever and all with the memories of what they had to do and what war meant. WW2 was immediate for men had to sign up and go through health checks to be sent to either the army, navy or air force. Absolutely no difference and as a little child I never understood why they went through but gradually as I got older I understood.

My eldest brother was 13 when I was born very early 1960's and more siblings followed him. Like many families. Many people they listened to the old fashioned radio and the birthday announcements. Mum and dad waited for their son's birthdays to be drawn out during the Vietnam war. For the duration of this war four of my brothers came to age. Amazingly, their birthdays never came out but their friends birthdays did and off these young lads went. Their mates never looked back on the friends that never went any differently even after the Vietnam war. They always remained mates and still do to this day. Some have now passed away themselves.

All wars have all come because of evil tyrants that make it to power. How can any sensible person support an obvious evil insidious narcissus. That's what I never understand and people around continue to do it as well. Plus religion that has caused many many wars. I'm a self-proclaimed atheist and have been since about the age of 3.5-5 years of age, despite Catholicism rammed down my ears & throat.
 
I had a cousin who was killed in Vietnam. The question was asked here as to why these soldiers should have to apply for the commemorative medalion & shouldn't there be a register with their names. l guess in the situation where a soldier is killed you may expect his or her parents to apply. In this (my cousin's) case, both parents are now deceased. I would therefore expect one of his brothers to apply for the medallion, providing it is wanted.

In some situations a widow, widower or child of a serving Vietnam war soldier will possibly apply, if l understand what has been written.

Whatever these soldiers receive from the Federal Government now is better than what they received under the then Whitlam Government on their return.
 
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Reactions: MindyMac
I had a cousin who was killed in Vietnam. The question was asked here as to why these soldiers should have to apply for the commemorative medalion & shouldn't there be a register with their names. l guess in the situation where a soldier is killed you may expect his or her parents to apply. In this (my cousin's) case, both parents are now deceased. I would therefore expect one of his brothers to apply for the medallion, providing it is wanted.

In some situations a widow, widower or child of a serving Vietnam war soldier will possibly apply, if l understand what has been written.

Whatever these soldiers receive from the Federal Government now is better than what they received under the then Whitlam Government on their return.
Contact them anyway. Your cousins, his siblings may need help or may not know about this. Maybe speak to them.
 

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