Max tells Vietnam story

by Nick Rowe
Vietnam War veteran Max Speedy has written a book documenting a little-known chapter of Australia's military history, when Australian Navy pilots flew combat helicopters as part of the American forces.
His book, "Just Another Day in the Delta", tells the story of Australian naval personnel who served with the US Army's 135th Assault Helicopter Company during some of the Vietnam War's most dangerous operations.
Max joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1962 and qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1967 before being sent to Vietnam the following year.
He served as second-in-command of the second contingent of the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam, which was fully integrated into the American helicopter company.
The unusual arrangement brought Australian and American personnel together in a unit known as the EMUs, short for Experimental Military Unit.
After initially flying as a co-pilot, Max became leader of the company's first troop-lift platoon, responsible for directing 10 American Iroquois helicopters carrying soldiers into and out of landing zones, often under enemy fire.
He later served as operations officer and air mission commander, coordinating troop-carrying helicopters and supporting gunships during combat operations.
The role involved directing American helicopter crews while working closely with South Vietnamese ground commanders.
During his year-long deployment, Max accumulated about 1250 flying hours, including around 1000 hours on combat assault operations, often transporting soldiers into landing zones under enemy fire.
The flying schedule was demanding, with pre-flight preparations beginning as early as 4.30am, helicopters departing around 6am and working days sometimes extending beyond 14 hours.
Much of the flying involved delivering troops into enemy-held territory, often without knowing what resistance awaited them.
Reflecting on how confronting the experiences had been, Max was asked whether he considered himself lucky to have survived. "Well, I am here today," he said.
Max was decorated by both the American and South Vietnamese armies and received the Distinguished Service Cross, presented by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
More than five decades later, Max has written the book to preserve the experiences of the Australian Navy personnel who served alongside the Americans.
He was concerned that much of their history was being forgotten, with earlier accounts becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and many of those involved no longer alive.
The book draws on personal experiences and the recollections of those who served, describing the dangers, friendships and sacrifices of the helicopter crews.
Max also reflects on the lasting psychological impact of combat, including post-traumatic stress and the difficulties some veterans experienced adjusting to life after the war.
He said it was important the experiences of those who served, including those who did not return, were remembered by future generations.
After leaving the navy in the early 1980s, Max settled near Mirboo North, where he worked for about 10 years in planning and community management with the former Morwell Shire. He later served as a South Gippsland Shire councillor and shire president, as well as holding several other community and board positions. He continues to live on a farm in Mirboo North.
Max will discuss his book at Need2Read Bookstore in Warragul on Thursday, November 5.
The event, beginning at 6pm, will feature Max in conversation with journalist and author Mark Baker, followed by questions and book signing.
The book will be officially launched at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on November 19 as part of the Chief of Navy's History Conference.