The memorial is a white cross with an inscribed plaque within a fenced area, access of which is gained through a gate.

The Long Tan Cross marks the site of the Battle of Long Tan. This battle, which took place on 18 August 1966, was Australia's single most costly engagement of the Vietnam War, with the loss of 18 Australian soldiers and a further 21 wounded.

Facing an enemy force of some 2500 North Vietnam Army regulars and Vietcong guerrillas, D Company, 6 RAR - mostly young national servicemen led by a few regulars - called upon all facets of battlefield support for survival. Above all it called heavily on the determination, professionalism and courage of the soldiers on the ground. The damage inflicted on the enemy was significant. Two hundred and sixty confirmed dead and evidence to suggest that several hundred wounded were carried from the battlefield.

D Company was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by the President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, for its extraordinary heroism.

On the third anniversary of the battle, the original cross was raised at the site of the battle where it remained untouched while the Australians were stationed in the province. That cross was later removed by the Vietnamese and is now located in the military museum at Bien Hoa. A replica now stands on the same site as a result of a long process of negotiation by the Australian Veterans Vietnam Reconstruction Group (AVVRG). Of significance is the official recognition and acceptance by the Vietnamese of the importance of this site to Australian veterans.

The original Long Tan Cross was conceived by the 6th Battalion Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) WO1 James "Jimmy" Cruickshank during the unit’s second tour of duty and erected on 18 August 1969. It was constructed by the unit’s engineers, the Pioneer Platoon.

A completely renovated Long Tan Cross Memorial was unveiled at the same site on 15 April 2002. Mr Rod Burgess, on behalf of all Australians, accepted the restored memorial site and assured the Chairman of the Long Dat Peoples Committee that visitors to the site would observe the correct protocols.

Vietnam.

The Long Tan Cross, is located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province approximately 110 km east of Ho Chi Minh City.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to sensitivities regarding the memorial and because it is located on relatively isolated, non-public land, those wishing to visit the site must notify the Dat Do District People’s Committee in advance of their visit, either individually or through a travel agent. For additional information contacting the Australian Embassy site at: http://www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/LongTanCross.html should be considered.