Those who fought in one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War are being recognised for gallantry on its 50th anniversary.
Members of the 1st Australia Task Force and associated units deployed during the Battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral are being encouraged to apply for a new Unit Citation for Gallantry.
Sunday marks half a century since the battles, an almost continuous series of fierce attacks fought over 26 days from May 13 to June 6, 1968.
Twenty-six Australians died and a hundred were wounded.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester said the battles were among the largest and most protracted fought by Australians in Vietnam and he is pleased to announce the new citation, approved by the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
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"In many ways this has been long-awaited, much anticipated and I'm sure the Vietnam veterans gathered here today will appreciate the recognition," he told reporters at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Mr Chester acknowledged the battles aren't as well known as others like Long Tan, but said those who fought endured some of the heaviest fighting of the war.
"Perhaps Coral and Balmoral didn't receive the recognition it perhaps deserved at the time," he said.
But the minister hopes the new citation can provide some closure for those who fought and the families of those who died.
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell said veterans will be delighted by the great honour.
"They earnt it. Their struggles, their courage and their teamwork on the battlefield at Coral and Balmoral were extraordinary," he said.
Eligible units for the unit citation include:
* 1st Australian Task Force (Forward)
* 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
* 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
* A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment
* C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment
* 12th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery
* 1st Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers.
Members of No 9 Squadron RAA161 Reconnaissance Flight and 161 Reconnaissance Flight who flew missions in direct support of the battles, or who were forward deployed to the Fire Support Bases, are also entitled to wear the Citation insignia.
Families of deceased veterans are also encouraged to apply for the insignia.
