Introduction
In Australian military history, the Battle of Coral–Balmoral stands as a defining moment of the Vietnam War. Spanning from 12 May to 6 June 1968, it was Australia’s largest and most sustained battle of the conflict — and indeed, the most significant combat engagement involving Australian forces since World War II.
Amid the fierce fighting, stories of courage, endurance, and sacrifice emerged. One such story is that of Private Richard Leslie Norden, whose gallantry in the face of overwhelming odds earned him a posthumous Victoria Cross for Australia, the nation’s highest award for bravery.
Vietnam, 1968
The battle took place during a period of intensifying conflict following the Tet Offensive. Australian forces, normally operating in Phuoc Tuy Province, were deployed further north as part of Operation Toan Thang I, aimed at interdicting enemy formations regrouping near Saigon.
To support operations, two fire support bases, Coral and Balmoral, were established in May 1968, placing Australian troops in exposed forward positions in contested territory.
Fire Support Base Coral: The Battle Begins
12–13 May 1968: The First Assault
When 1 RAR elements established Fire Support Base Coral on 12 May, they were soon confronted with a massive and unexpected pre-dawn assault by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. The base was not fully fortified, and the attackers breached the perimeter.
The situation was dire. Enemy troops reached artillery positions and overran some gun pits. Australian troops, including artillerymen, infantry, and engineers, fought fiercely to repel the attack.
The Heroism of Private Richard Norden VC
On 14 May 1968, during a patrol near Fire Support Base Coral, Private Richard Leslie Norden, serving with 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), displayed extraordinary bravery. His platoon was ambushed by a North Vietnamese force, resulting in the wounding of his section commander and the death of the forward scout.
Under intense enemy fire, Private Norden:
- Rushed forward to assist his wounded commander, expending his ammunition and killing an enemy soldier.
- Recovered a weapon from the fallen scout and continued to engage the enemy.
- Retrieved the wounded commander and returned to the position of the fallen scout, eliminating another enemy soldier who was using the scout’s body as a shield.
- Secured grenades from his section and returned to clear the area, allowing for the recovery of the scout’s body.
Despite being severely wounded during the encounter, Norden’s actions were instrumental in saving his comrades and repelling the enemy attack.
Award of the Victoria Cross for Australia
Initially awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions, a review by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal recommended an upgrade to the Victoria Cross for Australia. The award was approved by King Charles III on 1 November 2024 and announced by Governor-General and Prime Minister at the Australian War Memorial on 11 November 2024, marking Remembrance Day.
Fire Support Base Balmoral: The Australians Strike Back
By 26 May, FSB Balmoral had been established 4.5 km north of Coral. This time, Australian troops — including 3RAR and Centurion tanks from 1st Armoured Regiment — were well-prepared.
On 26 and 28 May, the NVA launched two large assaults on Balmoral. However, these were met with devastating firepower from infantry, tanks, artillery, and air support. The attackers suffered heavy losses and were unable to breach the perimeter.
Outcomes and Legacy
- 26 Australians were killed and over 100 wounded during the battles.
- Vietnamese casualties were significantly higher, though exact figures remain unknown.
- The Unit Citation for Gallantry was awarded in 2008 to all Australian units involved.
- Private Richard Norden’s Victoria Cross, awarded decades later, has become a powerful symbol of the bravery exhibited at Coral–Balmoral.
Conclusion
The Battle of Coral–Balmoral is a vital chapter in Australia’s modern military history. It was a test of strategy, resilience, and human spirit. None more so than the actions of Private Richard Norden, whose legacy reminds us of the profound courage shown by Australians in Vietnam.
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