Thread: The RAAF in Vietnam. Lest we forget

Originally Posted by bob10

Another forgotten chapter of Australian War service, Bob

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Overview


To most Australians who served in Vietnam the RAAF presence was exemplified by the Iroquois helicopter. [AWM VN/68/0011/07]

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) began its involvement in the war in 1964 when a flight of Caribous began flying transport operations around South Vietnam. The following year RAAF helicopters began operations and in 1967 a squadron of Canberra bombers arrived in the country. Other RAAF personnel performed a variety of roles in Vietnam, from aeromedical evacuations to airfield construction and combat flying with United States forces.
35 Squadron


Coupled with its already demanding workload, 35 Squadron routinely carried out wide-ranging unscheduled daily tasks, allocated at short notice, including transporting military and civilian passengers, medical evacuations and delivering mail or general cargo (food, fuel, livestock, ammunition, spare parts). more…
9 Squadron


No. 9 Squadron’s helicopters carried out a range of roles in Vietnam, the most important of which were the transport of infantry and logistic support. In the battle of Long Tan, pilots flew at tree-top height in appalling conditions to drop ammunition to beleaguered Australian troops and retrieve the wounded. more…
2 Squadron


Equipped with Canberra bombers and flying out of Phan Rang Air Base, No. 2 Squadron operated day and night missions destroying a wide range of infrastructure targets as well as attacking Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops. more…
Other RAAF Personnel


RAAF personnel also served in logistics tasks and aeromedical evacuations using Hercules aircraft, in airfield construction, as forward air controllers calling in and guiding artillery strikes, in reconnaissance operations, and flying F-4s with the US Air Force. more…
RAAF 1975


In April 1975 the Vietnam War was in its final throes. Thousands of refugees were fleeing south before a fast-moving, unstoppable communist offensive. Into the chaos flew 'Detachment S', eight RAAF Hercules, their crews and supporting personnel. Australia's last involvement in the Vietnam War was both an evacuation and a humanitarian operation whose participants witnessed a country on the verge of complete collapse. more…

Thanks mate.

In what seems like another life and a lifetime ago, as a relative newcomer to Australia, I proudly served in 9 SQN ... it had a long, long history of serving Australia.

Cheers,

Kev.

Long Tan Medals Presented - Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) to FLTLT Cliff Dohle

On 17 August the Governor-General also presented the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) to the family of former 9 Squadron RAAF Flight Lieutenant Cliff Dohle. Mr Dohle died in February 2009. He piloted one of the two helicopters which delivered ammunition to Delta Company, 6RAR, during the Battle of Long Tan. Mr Dohle had been awarded the MID in 1967 for his part in the mission. He was originally recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The DSM is the modern equivalent of the DFC; it is awarded for distinguished leadership in action. Mr Dohle’s posthumous award was announced on 31 March 2010.

Appearing in the investiture photograph are Mrs Joan Dohle wife of FLTLT Dohle DSM, Mr Peter Dohle (son), Mrs Lisa Arrowsmith (daughter), Master Max Dohle (grandson – son of Peter Dohle).

Originally Posted by carlschmid2002

Long Tan Medals Presented - Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) to FLTLT Cliff Dohle

On 17 August the Governor-General also presented the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) to the family of former 9 Squadron RAAF Flight Lieutenant Cliff Dohle. Mr Dohle died in February 2009. He piloted one of the two helicopters which delivered ammunition to Delta Company, 6RAR, during the Battle of Long Tan. Mr Dohle had been awarded the MID in 1967 for his part in the mission. He was originally recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The DSM is the modern equivalent of the DFC; it is awarded for distinguished leadership in action. Mr Dohle’s posthumous award was announced on 31 March 2010.

Appearing in the investiture photograph are Mrs Joan Dohle wife of FLTLT Dohle DSM, Mr Peter Dohle (son), Mrs Lisa Arrowsmith (daughter), Master Max Dohle (grandson – son of Peter Dohle).

He originally was reprimanded for his efforts. he probably saved many Australian lives that day.

Citation to RAAF, Vietnam


Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation to 2 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force