The Australian Government will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War with a national service at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra today, 18 August 2023.
Four days ago, Kim Langton reached out to the Military Shop medals team to urgently get the medals of his brother mounted in time for this landmark event.
"The dedication at the AWM on Friday is for all the surviving FAC pilots from Vietnam and a dedication of a OV10 Bronco Forward Air Control aircraft. Chris flew this actual Bronco in Vietnam prior to him being shot down and ejecting in an identical aircraft along with his US observer in 1970 over Cambodia. He is the only RAAF pilot to eject in combat and survive and only 35 Australian FAC pilots flew with the US forces in Vietnam. If possible, Id like to have it done for him," wrote Kim.
The medals the Military Shop team received.
"I completely understood how important this was and we were absolutely happy to assist Kim to ensure that his brother had his medals in time for Friday," shared Caris Ebeling, Branch Manager.
Kim dropped off the medals at the shop in Fyshwick in the morning of Thursday and the medals were ready later the same day.
Flight Lieutenant Chris Langton's medals ready for the AWM Dedication. In need of similar service? Discover the options on the Military Shop
"We understand the significance of honouring service and we cherish the opportunity to provide customers with personalised service. Our medal mounting services are done with meticulous attention to detail in the quickest possible turnaround," Ebeling continues.
The Story of Flight Lieutenant Chris Langton, Vietnam Veteran and Kim's Brother
On 8 February 1970, Flight Lieutenant Chris Langton (RAAF) bravely ejected from his aircraft during a Forward Air Control (FAC) combat mission in Vietnam. Langton had dedicated his career to the RAAF, joining in 1962 and gaining experience flying Sabres and Mirage fighter aircraft both in Australia and at Butterworth. His exceptional skills led to his selection for the fifth batch of RAAF pilots to fly Forward Air Control Missions in Vietnam in 1969. Upon arriving in Vietnam from his posting at 75 Squadron, Butterworth, Langton was stationed at Dau Tieng, a forward operating base supporting US Army 1st Division elements near the Cambodian border, which was heavily fortified with anti-aircraft weapons by the North Vietnamese Army Regular forces.
On that fateful day, FLTLT Langton was given the crucial task of supporting the extraction of a US Army long-range reconnaissance patrol that urgently needed assistance against a formidable enemy force. Flying a USAF OV-10 Bronco aircraft, he skilfully coordinated the air support for the helicopter extraction. However, at a mere altitude of 1,400 feet, disaster struck as the aircraft controls froze, leaving Langton with no control over the plane. It was later discovered that enemy fire, possibly from .30 calibre weapons, had struck the aircraft. In the face of danger, both FLTLT Langton and his US crewman made the split-second decision to eject from the aircraft, descending rapidly from a height of only 1,000 feet. Miraculously, a supporting US LOH-6 helicopter spotted Langton on the ground and immediately initiated a rescue operation. However, the helicopter itself was hit by enemy fire, causing it to crash and throwing Langton to the ground once again, this time from approximately 30 feet. Fortunately, Langton emerged unscathed and wasted no time in assisting the crew of the downed helicopter that had come to his aid. Together, they established a temporary defensive position, seeking cover and waiting anxiously for help. Finally, after what must have felt like an eternity, a US Army Iroquois helicopter arrived, nearly 30 minutes later, to safely winch them all to safety.
Flight Lieutenant Chris Langton (Photo shared with permission from Kim Langton)
FLTLT Langton's incredible resilience allowed him to not only survive the harrowing experience of being shot down but also to continue his mission in Vietnam, accumulating an impressive total of 549 hours on 227 FAC missions during his tour.
In total, 36 RAAF pilots bravely served in various USAF units in Vietnam between 1966 and 1970, undertaking the perilous duty of Forward Air Controller. Their unwavering dedication and exceptional service were acknowledged with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order. Despite the immense risks they faced, all of these courageous pilots managed to complete their tours in Vietnam unharmed. Meanwhile, the USAF suffered the devastating loss of 224 FAC aircrew members, highlighting the immense dangers they encountered with a loss rate of ten percent.
2023: The Year of The Vietnam Veterans, Join The Conversation
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War (1962-1973), we honour the lives of these extraordinary servicemen and women – their service, their sacrifices, and their lives – the families they have created; the contributions they have made to Australia, and the dignity with which they have carried forward the ANZAC Spirit.
We're helping Australians of all ages better understand the life and times of our Vietnam Veterans as we commemorate the end of Australia's involvement in the war 50 years ago. We're sharing interesting social bits and pieces from the Vietnam War era to give you a feel of the world back then, but most importantly we're sharing your memories, stories, and pride. Your memories of the Vietnam era; your family growing up in the 1960s and 70s; or stories you have about the life and times of your veteran dad, pop, uncle, or aunt will breathe life into their story. Share your pictures, anecdotes, and memories so others can see our veterans as more than soldiers. We honour, respect and admire, but few know. Help us honour our Veterans.
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