Glued to every word here. Nothing like having it from first hand experience!
Salute to you and your "Mates" all nationalities.
A close friend fought with both Aussies & ROKs in the Nam. (was that a secret?) As you say...both...tougher than a 2 dollar steak!
The ROKs got mortared once and a guy killed and some others wounded. They went out after them. Came back with the tube and the heads of the guys using it. That convinced "Jim" they were For Real. He was 9th Division, 3rd Brigade 2/60th.
I know...according to the news they were sent home, but those who didn't have their time in got transferred to the 101 Div. 1/502. He was in Cambodia before CNN (or anybody else for that matter) knew. LRRP.
He's had enough of the jungle and living in the dirt, or should I say ... mud.
It's said it's one of the only places on Earth where you can be in mud up to your waist, and have dust blowing in your face. I imagine your time was similar.

__________________
"Danger Will Robinson!"