Members of the Commonwealth of Nations including Australia this month honoured armed forces members who fought and who died in the line of duty.
The Remembrance Day commemoration held on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month comes out of Armistice Day which marked the end of World War One.
It’s a good time to remember all our service personnel and like many Australians, Northern Stevedoring Service staff have relatives who contributed when asked to do so by their country.
Business Support Administrator Stephanie Cheslett’s grandfather served in Vietnam. This is his story.
Warrant Officer Class Two Barry Tolley served with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) from 25 June 1968 to 25 June 1969. During his deployment, he was seconded to the US 5th Special Forces Group as Company Commander of 211 Mobile Strike Force (MSF), 1st Battalion, Pleiku, and Platoon Commander of 212 MSF Company.
In addition to the unit citations awarded to AATTV, Barry received several prestigious decorations: the US Silver Star, the US Bronze Star with “V” Device for valour during the Battle of Duc Lap, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, and the Australian Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).
The DCM citation highlights Barry’s extraordinary bravery during operations in Kontum Province in May 1969.
On May 22 , his company came under heavy attack from North Vietnamese forces. Despite intense enemy fire and the disarray of his troops, Barry exposed himself to danger to rally his soldiers and cover their withdrawal. Assisted by only three men, he held off the assault and fought his way back to base.
Two days later, his unit was again engaged by a superior enemy force. Cut off from the main battalion, Barry led two courageous assaults to break through, both repelled with heavy casualties.
When his troops began to withdraw under mortar and rocket fire, Barry remained behind, shielding them from the enemy and ensuring the wounded were safely evacuated.
His leadership, courage, and professionalism were exemplary throughout his tour and earned him deep respect within the Australian and allied forces.
In recognition of his continued service, Barry was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day 1995 for outstanding contributions to Army training.