BATTLE OF CORAL, THE : Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral May 1968

First Edition.

Australian, New Zealand and United States forces were involved in a series of actions between May and June 1968 at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral some 20 kilometres north of Bien Hoa city. Sitting astride a route used by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces approaching or departing Saigon and nearby Bien Hoa, the bases comprised defended positions for artillery, mortars and armoured vehicles which in turn supported infantry patrols of the area.

The North Vietnamese launched several strong attacks in an attempt to drive the Australians from this important area. The Australians also initiated combat during their many patrols outside the bases. These actions, over a 25-day period, made up Australia’s costliest and most protracted battle of the Vietnam War. pp. 361, illusts, maps, enclosures. #0517