Comparing The Spirit Of The Australian And New Zealand Soldiers During The Vietnam War

Australian and New Zealand soldiers exemplified the spirit of the Australian diggers during Vietnam by showing bravery, mateship and loyalty. Historians have stated that the battle of Long Tan served as an excellent example of the ANZAC spirit. They showed courage, loyalty, sacrifice, heroism, dedication, honour, integrity, initiative and determination throughout the Vietnam campaign. Mr. Edward Phillips who served in Vietnam as a NASHO, represents the ANZAC legend of bravery courage and loyalty, which is clear in Australia today be it in war, conflict or peacetime. Australian soldiers fought in fierce battles during the war in Vietnam where they showed immense bravery. Few of these battles were as intense and dramatic as the battle of Long

Loyalty means different things to different people, The Australian Army defines loyalty as "bearing true faith and allegiance to Australia, the Army, your unit, and other Soldiers”. From the moment, the Australian and New Zealand troops landed in Vietnam the spirit of courage, loyalty, initiative and sacrifice was evident. Australia entered into the Vietnam war in 1962, out of loyalty to America for they needed to strengthen their relationship with their old allies. Britain, after two World Wars and the Korean war were weak and unable to help defend Australia if they were ever under attack unlike the Americans who had the manpower and technology. These Australian soldiers remained loyal to their country even when their own people saw them as a disgrace. Some Vietnam veterans recall being abused as baby killers, rapists and murderers upon their return. For men who regarded themselves as generally having fought with more humanity and professionalism than their American counterparts, this was a bitter blow. Veterans who had lost friends in combat, who had seen death and who had killed, as is the lot of soldiers in war, were appalled at the way they were treated having done the job asked of them by their government was, sometimes, used against them. Loyalty is soldiers in a defence unit, faced with the same situation, each relying on the other to ‘do their bit’ has become a part of the Anzac spirit which is shown in every Australian soldier. Mr. Edward Phillips showed loyalty to his unit and friends when they were under attack from the Viet Cong, for he could’ve left the situation to someone else, but instead took control showing bravery and loyalty to mates. Loyalty is a crucial part of the ANZAC