The Battle of Long Tan took place near the village of Long Tan in Phước Tuy Province of Vietnam and was one of the most famous encounters for Australian forces during the Vietnam War. On the evening of August 18, 1966, a patrol from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver David 'Ollie' McGowan, unknowingly stumbled into a Viet Cong unit that numbered between 1,500 and 2,500 troops. The Australians were heavily outnumbered, with only 108 men in the 6th Battalion engaged in this sector. As the Viet Cong attempted to launch a full-scale assault, the Australians established a defensive position in a rubber plantation, utilizing the terrain to their advantage.The battle intensified as the Viet Cong began to encircle the Australian troops, leading to a desperate struggle for survival. With limited supplies and the situation worsening, the Australian forces called in air support, including artillery and airstrikes that played a crucial role in repelling the Viet Cong advance. The engagement lasted for several hours, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. The Australians suffered 18 fatalities and over 24 wounded, while estimates of Viet Cong losses ranged from 245 to over 800 troops.The Battle of Long Tan had significant implications for Australian military strategy and morale during the Vietnam War. It highlighted both the bravery of the Australian forces under duress and the challenges they faced in a conflict characterized by guerilla tactics and an often elusive enemy. The battle is commemorated in Australia, reflecting upon the sacrifices made and the important lessons learned from this conflict. It occupied a prominent place in Australia's military narrative, influencing both public perception and military policy in subsequent years.