Vietnam Theatre Honours for two Army companies

Two New Zealand Army infantry companies will this weekend be officially recognised for service in the Vietnam War, with a change of the theatre honour dates for the 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR).

Helen Clark has extended the theatre honour on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen for 1967-1970 to May 1967-Dec 1971 to cover the full infantry involvement in South Vietnam.

“The extension to the 1RNZIR South Vietnam Theatre Honour is a significant and historical step for the Battalion, the Regiment and those who served loyally on operations with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment during the South East Asia era of our history.

“It is fitting recognition for the courage and commitment of all who served in Vietnam.

“The previous South Vietnam Theatre honour 1967-70 did not recognise the service of Victor Companies five and six to the end of 1971. Further, the terms under which the original honour was awarded did not include the service of Victor 1 Company, from May to December 1967,” Mr Goff said.

A handing over of the 1RNZIR Regimental Colour with the extended Vietnam honour will formally take place in a ceremony at Tribute08 on Sunday, June 1
The presentation will involve up to 140 NZDF personnel in a tri-service guard-of-honour, Mr Goff said.

The Tribute08: A Vietnam Commemoration is being held in Wellington over Queen’s Birthday Weekend.

The event aims to increase recognition of Vietnam veterans and families in the community and provide a vehicle to acknowledge the inadequate treatment given to veterans when they returned home in the early 1970s.