Coral Balmoral — Australia’s Bloodiest Battle of the Vietnam War

The Battle of Coral–Balmoral was one of the most intense and prolonged engagements fought by Australian forces during the Vietnam War. Taking place between May and June 1968, it involved troops from the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) defending a series of Fire Support Bases against repeated and determined assaults by well-equipped North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces. Occurring in the aftermath of the Tet Offensive, the battle unfolded approximately 40 kilometres north of Saigon and spanned nearly a month. While it remains overshadowed in the public consciousness by the earlier Battle of Long Tan, Coral–Balmoral was, in fact, the largest and most costly battle fought by Australian troops in the Vietnam War.

The Australians faced nightly mortar attacks, ground assaults, and close-quarters combat, yet held their ground with extraordinary resilience. Their actions demonstrated exceptional bravery, tactical skill, and determination under fire. In recognition of their service, the units involved received a Unit Citation for Gallantry, and individual acts of valour were honoured with various medals, including a posthumous Victoria Cross awarded to Richard Norden. Sources consulted include the Australian Online War Memorial, ArtilleryHistory.org, the Army Museum of Western Australia, and the Australian Military History Podcast.