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FIGHTING FOR HONOUR
For over two decades, LTCOL (Ret) Harry Smith SG MC has continued a relentless fight for his men and the recognition and justice he feels they deserve for their service and sacrifice at Long Tan. Harry has harassed, cajoled, debated, fought and persuaded politicians, the Australian Defence Force and the media. He has written hundreds of reports, submissions and letters. He has fronted two government inquiries into the medals awarded for Long Tan and he has been partially successful in seeing medals upgraded to their original citations for some of his soldiers. The fight is not over and to this day Harry continues to fight against the bureaucracy for the Long Tan veterans still living and for those who have passed away. Harry was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Long Tan.
The best summary of what Harry did on 18 August 1966 during the Battle of Long Tan is outlined in the wording of his Military Cross citation:
Major Harry Arthur Smith was commissioned from the Officer Cadet School on 13 December 1952 and first saw active service with 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during the Malaya Emergency 1955-1957. In August 1966 Major Smith commanded D Company 6th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment. On 18 August 1966, D Company began a Search and Destroy Patrol in Phuoc Tuy Province South Vietnam. During the patrol, the leading platoon contacted what appeared to be a small Viet Cong patrol in thick rubber. The enemy soon proved to be the vanguard of a regimental size force, and the platoon engagement quickly developed into a Company battle. The Viet Cong attacking from two flanks and supported by intense mortar and recoilless rifle fire, soon penetrated between the leading platoon and the rest of the company. Despite the intense and accurate enemy fire, Major Smith formed the remainder of his company into a small defensive perimeter from which he made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to relieve the leading platoon whilst halting numerous attacks from both flanks on his own position. Throughout the action, he directed the fire of his company and of his supporting artillery batteries with such effectiveness that the enemy finally disengaged and withdrew, leaving behind over 200 dead. But for the determination and outstanding leadership shown by this officer D Company might well have been annihilated. During the whole of the engagement, he had complete control of the situation. He exercised his command with calmness, determination and confidence, and demonstrated professional competence, leadership and inspiration to an exceptional degree. There is no doubt that his leadership and his disregard for his own personal safety inspired his soldiers to a performance of duty of a high order. His display of command, leadership and professionalism is an inspiration to all.
