The parcel contained the former Republic of South Vietnam's Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm.

It is in recognition of a then 19-year-old Mr Akell's involvement in the Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War in 1966.

Mr Akell was part of the 108-member Delta Company 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment which defeated a North Vietnamese force of between 1500 and 2500 troops near Long Tan.

However it has taken more than 40 years for the unit to receive formal recognition for its bravery due to a medal quota system imposed by the Australian Army.

"This has finally closed a chapter of the book, so to speak, and it follows a lot of hard work by a lot of people. A few people deserve a pat on the back, including Minister for Veterans' Affairs Allan Griffin and our very own Catherine

King.

"The result has been a very fair result and military justice has now been seen and done."

Mr Akell said memories of the battle would stay with him for the rest of his life.

"Long Tan will always be there; it's something that will never go away," he said.

"The memories are engraved in our brains."