At the end of 1962, Dominic enlisted in the Citizen Military Force (CMF). At the end of 1964, he decided to quit Brisbane University after one year of full-time study and enlisted in the Australian Regular Army (ARA). Dominic became an Australian citizen in 1965.
At recruitment, the Army, realising that Dominic had completed a year’s study in surveying at university, allotted him to the Survey Corps. The Survey Corps is responsible for the production of topographical maps utilised by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on Operations and Exercises.
Dominic did his initial Military training at the Army Base at Kapooka, New South Wales and then went on to do his military surveying course in Victoria. Upon completion of this course, Dominic was posted to a Field Survey Unit in Perth, Western Australia, where he underwent consolidation training in the field at Onslow, Barrow Island, Albany and Kalgoorlie. As a full-blooded Chinese, Dominic already spoke Cantonese and Mandarin.
In preparation for deployment to the Vietnam War, the Army conducted an aptitude test which found him suitable for training as a linguist and sent him on a one year Vietnamese language course at the School of Languages, RAAF Base Point Cook, Victoria. Upon completion of the language course, Dominic undertook training in Military Intelligence and a Battle Efficiency course which included daily ten kilometre runs, 32 kilometre route marches with full packs and webbings, and weapons training.
Promoted to the rank of Corporal, Dominic was deployed to the Vietnam War for 927 days (a period of more than two and a half years) arriving on 16 April 1968. He was posted to the Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (AFV) and then the AFV Detachment, 1st Division Intelligence Unit, Nui Dat. His job was to accompany the Infantry and Armoured Patrols to carry out interrogation on the prisoners of war and translate captured documents.
This would provide useful information on the locations, movements and intentions of the Viet Cong. Less than 2 months after his arrival, he was dropped into enemy infested areas. He took part in several Operations including Coral and Balmoral where he witnessed deaths during battle. At one time, the North Vietnamese Army tried to overrun their position before they had time to set up barbed-wire fences and perimeter defences. His Tour of Duty in Vietnam concluded on 29 October 1970. Dominic was posted to the Survey Regiment in Bendigo where he continued to serve for several years and was promoted to rank of Sergeant.
In 1973, Dominic transferred to the Army Reserves and joined the Commonwealth Public Service where he worked with the Mapping Division, then the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and finally the Department of Immigration. During this time he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Melbourne University, and was posted to the Australian Consulate General in Hong Kong (1982-1985) and then to the Australian Embassy in Beijing (1985-1987).
He left the public service in 1996 and completed a Law degree at Latrobe University. Dominic worked as a lawyer for several years until his recent retirement and continues to teach law subjects at Victoria University on an ad-hoc basis.
For his service in the Vietnam War and service to his adopted country, Dominic has been awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service, the Australian Active Service Medal (1945 – 1975), Vietnam War Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Defence Long Service Medal, National Medal, Australian Defence Medal and the Returned from Active Service Badge. The Commendation for Distinguished Service was awarded for his distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations, and to recognise his command and leadership in military action.
Warrant
Officer David Lee JP
