Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am also very proud to be able to speak in support of this motion. I have previously spoken about this long overdue recognition of the soldiers and officers of Delta Company 6RAR who fought at the Battle of Long Tan. But I also want to acknowledge the other supporting units, like Alpha Company 6RAR and the artillery and the helicopters—everyone who was part of that battle in supporting the men of D Company 6RAR, who were in the fight of their lives.

As we just heard from the member for Hinkler, Frank Alcorta is now not living in the Territory, but he is a well-known Territorian of many, many years and we are very proud of him—our Long Tan veteran, Frank. It was fantastic to meet with him during the last sittings when he was in town to receive that recognition that was a long time coming. It was during that battle in 1966, when Frank was part of Alpha Company travelling in armoured personnel carriers, dispatched to assist Delta Company, that they suddenly found themselves in the midst of hundreds of Vietcong. Frank was actually sitting on top of one of the armoured personnel carriers. He rolled off the top of the carrier and, in an amazing feat of bravery, started charging towards the enemy firing away. He was mentioned in dispatches for his courage.

Recognition of Frank's bravery was a long time coming. Frank was happy, I think, but also reflecting on the years and the men he served with, his comrades, and on the fact that of so many others who were so brave during that battle not all were recognised. I know Frank was thinking about them. It was very humbling to be amongst Harry Smith, Frank Alcorta and Jeff Kendall during the last sitting, having a quiet beer. They are very humble men but massive heroes, certainly to generations of us who came after them to join the forces, knowing about their acts of bravery.

There were others, including Jeff Kendall, whom we caught up with a couple of weeks ago, and I want to recognise all of those who performed acts of bravery that were maybe never seen. They did not blow their own trumpets to their mates about what they did but their mates knew that they acted bravely, putting their lives at risk. So I also want to recognise those unsung heroes and acknowledge their bravery in fighting for our country.

When I was talking to Frank he said that after his service, and particularly about 13 years ago when his wife passed away, he was a bit lost. It was actually on a Remembrance Day that a couple of Frank's old mates, led by a great mate of his, Ross Smith OAM, helped Frank through the sadness and depression after losing his wife. As Frank said, 'These former comrades-in-arms helped me. They restored a little sanity in my otherwise befuddled brain and heart.' So these guys did not just protect each other and fight for each other on the battlefield; they continued that for the rest of their lives. And to this day, to see them still having a joke together reflecting on where their mates and friends are now is quite humbling.

One of Frank's soldiers in Alpha Company on the day when they came to support Delta Company was a guy by the name of Glenn Wilman. Glenn was one of my bosses when I was at the Army School of Infantry. He is a great man. I can remember him recounting the story of Frank, Glenn and the others moving off into the jungle to support their Delta Company mates. I want to acknowledge Glenn. He was a great leader and he was great to work with in the Army.

I acknowledge all those who have made the supreme sacrifice for us, including those at the Battle of Long Tan.

Debate adjourned.

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