On 14th May 1968 at Fire Support Base Coral in Bien Hoa Province, Lance Corporal Griffiths' platoon was deployed outside the base when a group of nine Viet Cong, moving away from another light contact, came into contact with his platoon. This enemy group proved to be a well trained and aggressive squad from a specialist reconnaissance unit.
Lance Cororal Griffiths used an M79 grenade launcher during the ensuing battle but could not fire it accurately due to long grass surrounding his position. Without thought for his own safty, and thinking only of the fire support he could give his platoon he stood up in the grass to better engage the enemy, thereby exposing himself to accurate enemy fire. As a result he was wounded in both arms. At the same time his section commander was killed.
Ignoring his own serious wounds, he immediately took charge of the section and continued the battle. He armed himself with his section commander's rifle and despite his wounds managed to operate it with great effect, personally killing three of the enemy and being instrumental in two of the others surrendering. While carrying out this action he was again seriously wounded in the chest.
Lance Corporal Griffiths was returned to Australia as a result of the seriousness of his wounds from this action. His leadership, personal bravery whilst in great pain and repeatedly exposed to accurate enemy fire, and his relentless continuation of his section commander's task were in the highest traditions of the service. His heroism was largely responsible for the successful conclusion of an outstanding platoon action.
SGT George A. SMITH, MM
CPL Bernard L. Le SUEUR, MM
CPL Thomas ATKIN, DSM