A circular memorial with a wing and a sword rising toward the sky with the brigade history written under the banner.

The memorial commemorates the 173d Airbourne Brigade which includes Australians and New Zealanders who were killed while under operational control of the 173d, 1965 - 1966.

The US Army 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) was activated on 26 March 1963 on the island of Okinawa. On 5 May 1965, after undergoing extensive jungle training, the Brigade deployed to South Vietnam as the first US Army ground combat unit in that war. Upon arrival, a battalion from the Royal Australian Army and a battery from New Zealand were attached to the Brigade, making the 173d Airborne the only multi-national combat unit in the war.

1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) conducted two tours of duty in Vietnam, May 1965 to June 1966 and March 1968 to February 1969. It was deployed to the United States Bien Hoa Air Base in Bien Hoa province and was, initially, restricted to security operations defending the airbase. In September 1965, the Australian Government lifted these restrictions, and 1RAR was able to be fully employed as a manoeuvre battalion. It participated in search and destroy missions, patrolling and security operations. The battalion's patrol program reduced enemy activity around the Bien Hoa Airbase to an all-time low. In early 1966 1RAR was involved in a successful search-and-destroy operation, uncovering the Cu Chi tunnel complex which resulted in the capture of thousands of documents, weapons and supplies. In February, 1RAR was asked by the US 1st Infantry Division to provided security for US army engineers who were building a road, the battalion returning to the 173rd Airborne Brigade once the operation had finished. 1RAR was relieved by the First Australian Task Force (1ATF) and returned to Australia in June 1966 at a cost of 19 killed and 114 wounded.

In March 1968, 1RAR returned to Vietnam for a second tour of duty, returning to Australia in February 1969 at a cost of 31 killed and 297 wounded.

1RAR achieved significant operational success during both tours. The battalion received a Unit Commendation from General W. C. Westmoreland (Commander U.S. Forces, South Vietnam) in the first tour and won great distinction during the second tour for its efforts in defence of Fire Support Base 'Coral'.

The memorial was designed by architects at French & Associates with the construction work done by Georgia Development Partners. The Columbus Monument Company cut and engraved the granite panels.

S Lumpkin Road, Fort Benning, United States of America.

From Columbus Metropolitan Airport turn northeast onto the Airport Thruway then turn left onto the Veterans' Parkway, left into 4th St which follows into Victory Drive, turn slight right onto S Lumpkin Rd. The New National Infantry Museum is on the right. The memorial is located on the Walk of Honour that adjoins the Parade Ground.