Morrie Stanley Long Tan UCG Presentation in New Zealand - Vietnam War

This is some HD footage we shot at the presentation of the Australian Unit Citation of Gallantry to Morrie Stanley.

Vietnam veteran Mr Stanley wasn't expecting much of a fuss when he arrived at the East Coast Bays RSA today, but he -- along with radio operator Willie Walker and gunner Murray Broomhall -- were awarded the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry for their heroic efforts in the Battle of Long Tan.

On the August 18, 1966, 105 Australian troops were taking on more than 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army soldiers in the Battle of Long Tan.

Mr Stanley and his two Kiwi mates were fighting alongside the Australians and Mr Stanley led the artillery fire with such accuracy they were able to drive the enemy back and limit casualties to just 18 Australians killed and 23 wounded. The enemy suffered more than 500 killed and 1,000 wounded.

"I wouldn't be standing here in front of you now if Morrie had not been able to direct the 24 artillery guns as well he did," said former Australian Army commander Harry Smith.

The Unit Citation for Gallantry has been awarded only twice before; this informal presentation was specially arranged because Mr Stanley is terminally ill with cancer.

"To receive a citation from the country in which I trained and represented New Zealand and fought with in battle, to me, that is most extraordinary," Mr Stanley says. The Governer General will formally present the citation early next week, but for Mr Stanley and his comrades, today will be hard to beat.