Wall plaque for the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam
Date2005
Object number00039381
NamePlaque
MediumWood, paint.
DimensionsOverall: 180 x 128 x 25 mm, 0.24 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Andy Curran
DescriptionA commemorative wooden wall plaque for the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam featuring a RAN crest with the inscription reading 'Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam'.
On November 3 1967 the first of four contingents of the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHF-V) , being fully
integrated with the US Army's135th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC), commenced operations. They became known as EMU (Experimental Military Unit) and their motto was "Get The Bloody Job Done".
HistoryIn October 1967 the Australian Government dispatched 723 Squadron from the Royal Australian Naval Fleet Air Arm to Vietnam to join with the American 135th Assault Helicopter Company. They were renamed EMU - Experimental Military Unit. The Unit supported troops on the ground with fire power and landedand retrieved troops from active areas. They also retrieved the wounded and killed. The pride and dedication in their job led to their own motto - Get the Bloody Job Done - not always recognised officially.
The Unit fought with distinction and many awards were forth coming - Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Member of the order of the British Empire, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, British Empire Medal. They also suffered a much higher casualty rate than any other aviation unit.
The RAN segment of the Unit was deactivated in June 1971. The rest of the Unit continued until January 1972.SignificanceFor over four years the RAN Helicopter Flight played a central role in making the 135th Assault Helicopter Company the best all round helicopter company in Vietnam and could lay claim to being the most dedicated Australian aviation unit involved in the conflict. Out of 200 personnel who served three OBEs, eight DSCs, five DFCs, 24 Mentioned in Dispatches and 34 Naval Board Commendations were awarded. Unfortunately, the fierce but professional reputation came at the cost of five Australian lives lost .
