WHO wouldn’t want to own something this cute – especially as he’s marking a very significant period in Australia’s history.
Stanthorpe’s Norm Gale is encouraging locals to reserve one of these collectable ‘Infantry Bears’ to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War, in which 18 Australian troops were killed and 24 wounded.
The battle was fought in a rubber plantation near Long Tan on 18 August 1966 between the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese units and elements of the Australian Task Force (1 ATF).
A decisive Australian victory, Long Tan proved a major local setback for the Viet Cong, indefinitely forestalling an imminent movement against Nui Dat. Although there were other large-scale encounters in later years, 1 ATF was not fundamentally challenged again.
The battle established the task force’s dominance over the province, and allowed it to pursue operations to restore government authority.
In all 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975, with 521 killed and more than 3000 wounded. Countless more carried home the mental anguish of their Vietnam War experience.
Proceeds from the sales of the collectable ‘Infantry Bears’ – which are selling for $99 apiece – will assist the Stanthorpe and District Naval Sub-Section and a proportion will also go to local community groups.
The bears are produced by The Military Shop on behalf of the Australian Army. To secure your limited edition collectable ‘Infantry Bear’ – and to avoid paying postage and handling – contact Norm Gale on 4681 3375.
