Also known as Long Tan Day, August 18 is Vietnam Veterans’ Day in Australia. This day commemorates the Battle of Long Tan that was fought near Long Tan during the Vietnam War. It resulted in decisive Australian victory over North Vietnamese units and Viet Cong.

Australian involvement in the Vietnam War began in 1962. One of the most significant battles fought by Australian troops during the Vietnam War was the Battle of Long Tan. It took place in Phuoc Tuy Province on 18th August 1966.

Australian troops won the battle, having lost only 18 men. The Battle of Long Tan became the largest single-unit battle fought by Australian troops. Vietnam Veterans’ Day is observed annually throughout Australia to commemorate the Battle of Long Tan and to celebrate the contribution of Australian troops to maintaining peace in South Vietnam.

Perth Mint Australia issued a 1oz Silver Proof Coin in the year 2012 in the memory of the battle. The coin’s reverse depicts an Australian soldier wearing the Vietnam War jungle kit. The background incorporates a printed historical image of soldiers at Long Tan, and the inscription LONG TAN 1966. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark is also incorporated into the design.

Image Courtesy: perthmint.com