Decorated Vietnam veteran speaks in Leongatha

COMMANDER Ian Maxwell ‘Max’ Speedy DSC RAN (retired) still vividly recalls his year of service in Vietnam, which began in 1968, sharing some of his wartime experiences with Anzac Day service attendees at Leongatha’s Memorial Hall.

The long-term Mirboo North resident recalled Australians who lost their lives, along with numerous Americans he served with who suffered the same fate.

Max joined the 2nd Contingent of the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) as its 2IC under the command of Lieutenant Commander Graham (Zork) Rohrsheim.

The RANHFV was integrated with the US Army 135th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) flying Iroquois helicopters in both the utility and gun-ship configurations.

The 135th AHC carried out its own troop resupplies, medevacs, reinforcements and most crucially, picked up its own pilots and aircrew if shot down.

During his year with the AHC, Max went on to fly 1,250 combat hours.

Max told his audience that he was twice shot down and believes all the pilots he served with experienced that at least once.

He flew as part of a crew of four, initially as a co-pilot, later appointed the 1st Lift Platoon Leader (troop carrying UH1-H Slicks) with the main task of leading a flight of ten troop carrying aircraft in and out of the pickup and landing zones.

Landing zones frequently became ‘hot’ with enemy fire.

“Mostly the landing zones didn’t get hot until you were in them,” Max said.

He eventually became Operations Officer, also fulfilling the role of Air Mission Commander.

Max spoke of the bravery of those going into action, the long hours on duty and the dedication of those who kept the helicopters in flying order.

He outlined the huge loss of American lives during his time in the Vietnam War, recalling weekly statistics provided on radio.

“If only 100 Americans had been killed it wasn’t a bad week; a bad week was 600,” Max said.

He reflected on the 521 Australians who lost their lives during the Vietnam War, with five of those in his group.

Max also spoke of the ongoing nature of the Vietnam War for many Australians who served in it and the tragic impact it continues to have, highlighting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide.

“We weren’t welcomed home by our government any more than the Australian people,” Max said.

Max received his Distinguished Service Cross in October 1970, presented by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, recognising the then Lieutenant Speedy’s exceptional devotion to duty, determination and courageous leadership in action.