Vietnam War vets in Napier for reunion

Mike Perreau served with Whiskey Company during the Vietnam War. A number of those in Whiskey Company died prematurely through exposure to toxic agents including Agent Orange.

More than 50 Vietnam War veterans will attend a 50th anniversary reunion in Napier this weekend.

The reunion at the Taradale RSA commemorates 50 years since the deployment of Whiskey Company, formed after the New Zealand Government decided on a second rifle company to South Vietnam.

The company conducted patrolling and ambushing, and was involved in the major Tet Offensive in North Vietnam in January 1968, and other major operations.

Three members lost their lives, and two others were killed in action with replacement company Whiskey 2, but with the passing of time 83 are now on the Roll of Honour, a lot perishing prematurely from the effects of defoliant sprays such as Agent Orange.

Whiskey Company formed an integral link within 2 Royal Australian (ANZAC) Battalion and with 4 Royal Australian (ANZAC) Battalion who replaced them.

General WC Westmoreland, overall commander within South Vietnam, commented in his foreword in a New Zealand Vietnam War history that "We soon learned that the soldiers from "down under" were - for good reasons – proud fighters and they spoke our language which we understood as we got to know them. We became appreciative of their abilities.

"They were tall and strong and for good reasons proud. As the overall commander, I placed them in an area of security which was essential to our strategy.

"I learned at first hand that "those blokes from down under" were damn good troops, soldiers and fighters. We were glad to have them on our side."

General Westmoreland was commenting on the Australian and Kiwi soldiers. He concluded that they were a formidable force that always came out the winner.

Napier veteran Mike Perreau, who marked his 21st birthday during the conflict, says many of those he fought alongside are still, along with some of the 15 wounded, fighting for their rights and still receiving treatment.

"A lot of these men have died prematurely due to the effects of exposure to toxic agents, Agent Orange being one of them. It is reported that the effects of the Dioxin can stay with the offspring of the veterans that were exposed for seven generations," said Mr Perreau.

Whilst the veterans have asked for DNA testing to be conducted on them and their offspring, the respective governments have declined these requests.

"Fifteen soldiers were wounded in action, some of whom on more than one occasion; at least two of our Whiskey Company mates who were wounded 50 years ago are still having ongoing problems with shrapnel having to be removed."

Mike Perreau stated that one of the most difficult things he had to do in his life is explaining to his three daughters when they were in their teens that there was a possibility that any of their children may be affected.

"Three grandchildren now and no problems, but the worry is still there for the forthcoming generations," he said.

Perreau also stated that most of the veterans are still fighting for what they are entitled to and to have injuries and issues that were caused by their involvement in the Vietnam War attended to. The respective New Zealand Governments have denied medallic recognition for their service with the Australian Anzac Battalions in Vietnam.

"We were under command of 1st Australian Task Force throughout our involvement in Vietnam. Their second-in-command was at one part a New Zealander.

"The Australians received Combat Infantry Badges which has strict criteria that the majority of the New Zealand Infantry soldiers meet. The criterion even allows the issue to specific non Australians such as us Kiwis; New Zealand Defence and the New Zealand Governments over the years has failed us."

"The reunion is not about glorifying war," Mr Perreau said. It is, he said, about recognising the comradeship of the members, who are dwindling in number.

Numbers at a Saturday night memorial dinner and a parade the next morning are expected to exceed 160, plus public invited to the parade as the company recognises not only those who served but also focuses on their families.