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Historian Anthony McAleer OAM (center) is looking to interview Vietnam veterans like Amat Binnoore (left) and Doug Hill (right) for his next book. (Mikayla van Loon: 514632)
Episode 3139 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Australian historian who is writing a book about local Vietnam Vets. The featured story is titled: Local Vietnam vets encouraged to share stories for new history book. It appeared on the Star Mail website and was submitted by Mikayla van Loon.
van Loon reported that Historian Anthony McAleer OAM has dedicated many years to documenting the military history of the Shire of Lillydale, culminating in the fifth and final volume of his series. This latest installment focuses on the period 1945 to 1995, with a particular emphasis on the Vietnam War (1962–1975) and the experiences of local men and women who served overseas or supported efforts on the home front.
Through extensive research from multiple sources, McAleer compiled a nominal roll of 130 residents from the Shire of Lillydale who served in Vietnam across the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force, five of whom died in active service. Among them were Doug Hill of Montrose and Amat Binnoore of Mount Evelyn, who served at opposite ends of the conflict yet later became friends—unaware of their shared connection until McAleer’s research revealed it.
Hill, the district’s first Vietnam veteran, served in 1964 with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, later training soldiers in jungle warfare at Canungra before returning to Vietnam in 1968. His decorated service includes receiving the American Bronze Star for rescuing an American Marine under fire. Binnoore, the last local to leave Vietnam, served as a load master and later as a transport sergeant to Major General Donald Dunstan, facing daily dangers in Saigon.
McAleer continues to seek stories from Vietnam veterans and nurses from towns including Lilydale, Wandin, Seville, and Mount Evelyn, such as Sister Julia Seymour, the first Australian nurse to serve in Vietnam.
To share information or personal accounts, contact Anthony McAleer at antmca@bigpond.com
Listen to Episode 3139 and discover more about the Australian historian who is writing a book about local Vietnam Vets.
