Harry Smith (Australian soldier)

Lieutenant Colonel Harry Arthur Smith MC, officer in the Australian Army and Officer Commanding D Coy, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment at the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War.

After service as a National Serviceman Smith joined the Australian Regular Army and graduated as Second Lieutenant from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea.

In 1966 Smith, then a Major, was Officer Commanding D Coy, 6RAR, on patrol in the Rubber Plantation at Long Tan when his company ran into a large enemy force making its way to the Australian base at Nui Dat. The ensuing battle, know as the Battle of Long Tan has become a celebrated episode in Australia's military involvement in the Vietnam War. Although his company was outnumbered by almost 26 to one, and suffering high casualties, both Smith and his men inflicted massive casualties on the enemy, saving Nui Dat from attack and discouraging any further large scale attacks against Australian forces in Vietnam.

Smith’s leadership of his men during the fierce fighting earned him a Military Cross, although originally recommended for the Distinguished Service Order this was downgraded to the MC.

Following service in Vietnam, Smith commanded 1 Commando Company at Georges Heights and was later posted to the Special Air Service Regiment in Perth, Western Australia.

Smith left the Army in 1976.