When i first got posted to Enoggera in 1991 there were still a good number of Vietnam Vets serving and posted to Enoggera barracks . Buddy Lea was a regular sight around the Barracks , here's his story at the battle of Long Tan
Some sad news this week. Buddy Lea who was a [Corporal] section commander in 10 Platoon, D Company 6RAR during the Battle of Long Tan has just been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Please help me pass on lots and lots of best wishes and let him know that we're all thinking of him and his family at this difficult time. Buddy is one of the nicest and funniest human beings I've ever met!!
Corporal Buddy Lea rushed out through the D Coy lines under enemy fire during the battle to drag the wounded 12 Platoon Sgt Paddy Todd back into their defensive perimeter.
The wounded Sgt Paddy Todd was edging closer to the D Coy position, crawling along the ground in the mud and rain, when one of Buddy Lea’s machinegunners opened fire on Paddy. As Buddy says, “luckily he was a bad shot because he missed Paddy”. Paddy Todd took off his hat and yelled some Australian expletives. Buddy Lea heard him and disregarding the bullets flying thick and fast ran out to grab Paddy. Lea began to help Paddy get to the company aid post some 50 metres behind the front lines. On the way there was a reasonably large tree and the two had a bit of a spell there. Paddy looked up and could see two characters coming towards them in black. Paddy said, “Hey Buddy, have a look there.” Buddy said, “That’ll be A Coy they are on their way’. Paddy said, “Well, they must have changed uniforms mate, because they are all in black.” Buddy went behind a tree. One VC was in front of the other with an AK47. Buddy stepped out and let go, but this VC fellow was too quick and got Buddy in the left shoulder. Paddy laughing out loud said, “You silly old bastard!” Paddy couldn’t believe they were now both wounded trying to help each back to the aid post but Lea didn’t even realise he was hit as the adrenaline was pumping.
On the way back to the aid post they had to stop a couple of times and on one of these occasions, Jack Jewry, Lea’s section 2IC noticed that part of Lea’s shirt had come off his back and there was blood. Lea was kneeling down keeping an eye on enemy movement and Jewry came up behind Lea to help bandage his wound when suddenly Jewry fell across Lea’s back. Jewry was shot and killed trying to help Buddy.
Buddy Lea and Paddy Todd eventually mad it to the company aid post and survived the battle.
