Danger Close

Australia and New Zealand deploy their forces to Vietnam in support of the United States against the communist threat. The troops, consisting of both conscripts and volunteers with an average age of 20, face the daunting task of combat for the first time in a foreign land.

The film opens with a sudden mortar attack on the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, executed by the Viet Cong and People's Army of Vietnam. This assault serves as a wake-up call to the Australian soldiers, many of whom had been underestimating the seriousness of their deployment.

Major Harry Smith leads Delta Company during the chaos of the mortar attack, demonstrating calmness and decisiveness amid panic. He orders his men to take cover and stand their ground, while some soldiers choose to ignore orders and continue playing games.

Conflict arises between Major Smith and Captain Morrie Stanley over leadership styles. Harry criticizes his troops for their lack of seriousness, while Kirby expresses discontent about Harry's perceived lack of respect for his men’s capabilities and sacrifices.

Following the mortar attack, Major Smith voluntarily offers his unit to investigate nearby rubber tree plantations for enemy activity. However, he is met with refusal from Lieutenant Colonel Townsend, who prefers to send Bravo Company on the mission instead.

The next day, Major Smith’s Delta Company is sent to relieve Bravo Company instead of attending a scheduled concert. This marks the beginning of their critical mission to identify and engage the enemy forces responsible for the attack.

Delta Company quickly begins trailing fresh tracks leading away from the mortar firing sites. When they encounter a small Viet Cong patrol, 11 Platoon engages in an intense firefight, demonstrating the dangers the soldiers are about to face.

As 11 Platoon ventures deeper into the plantation, they come under heavy machine gun fire. Major Smith dispatches 10 Platoon to provide reinforcement, realizing that the situation is escalating and that their forces are in dire peril.

When 11 Platoon becomes increasingly isolated, Major Smith recognizes that they are significantly outnumbered. He reluctantly agrees to call in artillery support to target their own position in a desperate bid to fend off the advancing enemy forces.

As the situation deteriorates, Major Smith receives word that the enemy has deployed hundreds of soldiers, confirming his worst fears of a major assault. He faces backlash from his men for the decision to call fire on his own troops, leading to heightened tensions.

In the midst of a growing monsoon, Major Smith urgently requests helicopter resupply, but senior officers hesitate due to the dangerous conditions. Despite reluctance, two brave pilots volunteer to deliver much-needed supplies, risking their lives in the process.

After receiving a resupply, Major Smith leads a rescue mission back to 11 Platoon's position and discovers surviving soldiers. This moment galvanizes both Delta Company and the base, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of battle.

Brigadier Jackson finally agrees to send APCs to support Major Smith's unit, though it leaves the base vulnerable. As 11 Platoon and Delta Company prepare to fend off the enemy, Smith demonstrates heroic leadership under pressure.

Under Major Smith's command, Delta Company successfully holds the advancing enemy at bay until reinforcements arrive. Nevertheless, the aftermath of the battle is solemn, with the loss and sacrifice of soldiers, including the tragic death of Private Large.

The battle of Long Tan becomes a pivotal moment in Australian military history, where 108 soldiers faced overwhelming odds against over 2000 North Vietnamese forces. The conflict culminated in a heavy toll, marking 18 Australian and 245 Vietnamese lives lost.