On Saturday 20 August 1966, front-page newspaper reports in every Australian newspaper trumpeted to the nation news of an epic victory in South Vietnam in the biggest battle involving Australian troops since the Korean War. In the years that have followed, the Battle of Long Tan has become the subject of books and film, most emphasising the length and ferocity of the Vietnamese assault on a single Australian infantry company; and their successful defence despite being surrounded and heavily outnumbered.

While the soldiers were indeed courageous, many of the details of these books and films are simply myths.

Embellished claims surrounding the battle of Long Tan do the brave soldiers of both sides a disservice.
 
The truth is important. The date is very important to 60,000 veterans and their families especially as 18 August is now recognised as Australia’s official Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

This ground-breaking new book is an examination of the memories, myths and reality of the Battle of Long Tan.