Catafalque party in place, the wreath laying by the plaque begins. Photo by ABPH Kaye Adams.

CDF ADML Chris Barrie recently unveiled a plaque commemorating the EMUs (Experimental Military Unit), personnel of the Royal Australian Navy and the Unites States Army who served together in the Vietnam War.

Over a thousand people gathered at Bomaderry on the south coast on Saturday April 27 to participate in the service.

In the presence of US Ambassador Thomas Schieffer and many Australian and American veterans and their families, ADML Barrie dedicated the monument to the men of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company of the US Army, which included many members of the RAN's Fleet Air Arm.

CDF said the 135th AHC was a unique combat unit. From October 1967 to June 1971 a detachment of RAN Fleet Air Arm personnel was integrated with the US Army unit. The Australians and Americans of the 135th operated troop carrying and ground attack helicopters in the war against insurgency in the Republic of South Vietnam. It was designated by the US Command as the Experimental Military Unit, or EMU, and had as its motto 'Get the bloody job done.'

The 135th AHC confirmed its motto, with an unsurpassed record, a high reputation, and hard work, which was not without loss and sacrifice.

History records eight RAN personnel were killed in the war in Vietnam; five were members of the EMUs. Thirty-two American EMUs were also killed in combat.

The nearly 50 strong group of Australians were Fleet Air Arm and support personnel, posted as the RAN Helicopter Flight - Vietnam, a detachment of 723 Squadron, based at HMAS Albatross, in Nowra. Four flights spent a year's tour of duty flying and maintaining US Army helicopters with their American counterparts.

RAN personnel were involved in all areas of 135th activities. A US army officer commanded the fully integrated international unit, totalling some 300 personnel, with an Australian Navy aviator as its XO and second in command.

Australian pilots were in command of the helicopter platoons and Australian technical personnel were in leadership positions throughout the maintenance areas. Australians were also in charge of the food preparation and the medical support facilities.

Part of the daily task of the multi-national unit was helicopter insertion and recovery of troops, providing air to ground attack, re-supply of ammunition and equipment, and recovering casualties, throughout all weather conditions, night and day, at times under direct enemy fire.

Former member CPOATWO Jim Hill said, "For me the EMU monument is a unique reminder of the close Australian links with Unites States.

"It is dedicated to those Australian and Unites States servicemen, personnel of two different armed services of two allied nations who were integrated into a single military unit and fought a bloody, controversial and unconventional war, did it well and with honour.

"It should remind us all of the sacrifice many have made for our principles, values, and democratic way of life. Lest we forget."

By LCDR Frank Eyck