Vietnam veterans win bravery medals 42 years later

Three Australian army officers will be awarded gallantry medals earned in a desperate Vietnam war battle 42 years ago, the government announced Thursday. Retired Lt. Col. Harry Smith will be awarded the Star of Gallantry, Australia's second highest decoration for bravery after the Victoria Cross, for his leadership as company commander in the Battle of Long Tan on Aug. 18, 1966, a statement said. Platoon commanders Lt. David Sabbens and Lt. Geoff Kendall will be awarded the lesser Medal of Gallantry. The medals were recommended by military chiefs soon after the most significant battle involving Australian troops during the Vietnam conflict, but were never awarded. "Justice will always be done if you keep at it," Smith, 75, told The Associated Press on Thursday."I've never asked for anything for myself, but I'm very pleased to... [read full story]