Participating Forces
Fire Support Base Coral brought together infantry, artillery, armour, and air support in one of the largest coordinated Australian operations of the Vietnam War, facing regimental-scale assaults by North Vietnamese forces.
Australian Forces
1st Australian Task
Infantry Units
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
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Elements deployed at Coral
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Provided perimeter defence
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Engaged in close-quarters fighting during initial assault
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
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Elements deployed at Coral
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Provided perimeter defence
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Engaged in close-quarters fighting during initial assault
Artillery Units
12th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
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Guns deployed at Coral
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102 Battery, 12 Field Regiment
Artillery Units
161st Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery​
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Attached New Zealand artillery battery
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Provided fire support alongside Australian guns
Armoured Units
1st Armoured Regiment​
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Centurion tanks
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Not fully in place during initial attack
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Later critical in strengthening defence
Aviation Support
9 Squadron RAAF​​​
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Helicopter support (troop movement, resupply, medevac)
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Command & Support Elements
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1 ATF Headquarters elements
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Signals units (communications)
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Medical teams
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Logistics and supply personnel
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🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND FORCES
161st Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery
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Integrated within Australian artillery structure
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Provided continuous fire support
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🇺🇸 UNITED STATES SUPPORT
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While Coral was primarily an Australian/New Zealand action, US support was critical:
US Artillery & Fire Support
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Long-range artillery support from nearby US bases
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US Air Support
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Tactical air strikes
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Close air support missions
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US Helicopter Support
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Additional lift and logistical support