Vietnam veteran John Carter thought he would never march on Anzac Day — in 2019 that all changed. He is pictured with son Glen and daughter Jodie at the conclusion of Benalla’s 2019 Anzac Day service.
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When Sgt John Carter came into the Ensign office in April 2019, he was there to announce that he had marched in an Anzac Day parade, for the first time.
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His children Glen and Jodie were with him for moral support as he fought back tears discussing why he had avoided taking part, since returning from serving in Vietnam.
For Sgt Carter, like many Vietnam veterans, the reception he received upon his return had put him off displaying the pride he had for the role he played, and the sacrifices he made in south-east Asia.
To have an idea of his sacrifice, and service, you can find a biography on the Virtual War Memorial Australia website.
At approximately 1800 hours on August 18, 1966 Corporal John Carter was the Crew Commander of an armoured personnel carrier of 3 Troop First Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron. This troop had been given the task of carrying a relieving force of infantry to assist D Company 6 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, which was in heavy contact with a brigade-sized enemy force. Orders were for the carrier troop to advance with two sections forward. Weather conditions at the time were extremely difficult due to a severe rainstorm.
When contact was made with the enemy, Corporal Carter’s vehicle was engaged by fire from 57 millimetre recoilless rifle, machine gun and small arms fire. The projectile from the 57-recoilless rifle missed his vehicle and exploded against a rubber tree. Corporal Carter returned fire using his .50 calibre machine gun. The gun jammed. He then grasped the driver’s Owen Machine Carbine and without hesitation leapt on to the top of his vehicle and returned fire, killing the 57 millimetre recoilless rifle team a fraction after another 57 millimetre recoilless rifle round had been fired. This round exploded and dazed the crew and passengers. Corporal Carter, still undeterred, continued to fire, killing five other enemies.
By his actions Corporal Carter also drew additional fire on to himself, enabling the other vehicles of the Troop to advance.
Through the action, which was fought at very close range, Corporal Carter showed outstanding courage, initiative and determination. His actions were an inspiration to all his comrades and contributed greatly to the success of the assault by the relief force, the heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy, and immediately afterwards, the relief of D Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.
Sgt John Carter pictured serving in Vietnam in the late 1960s.
It would be difficult for anyone alive today to go through that, and then be effectively shunned by a society they had gone to war to protect.
Sadly, that’s what happened to countless Vietnam veterans in Australia and abroad.
However, over time, public opinion evolved.
Those who once blamed the brave soldiers who served in Vietnam for an unpopular war began to understand their indignation laid with the politicians who sent those young men to war, rather than the young men conscripted to do so.
Sadly, Sgt Carter passed away on January 23, 2021.
Although greatly missed by his friends, family and his local community, it would have been heart-warming to most to know that he finally had an opportunity to march through his home town wearing his medals with his head held high on Anzac Day.
Several days after taking part in that march, Sgt Carter spoke with the Ensign about what it meant to him.
“It’s taken this long to get out there, and it was a really emotional day,” he said.
“The fact that we were accepted was amazing.
“And to see all the old soldiers and how they are still affected after so many years of suffering was very emotional.
“It just shows that it takes some people a long time to wake up.
“We didn’t ask to go there. We did what we thought was right.”
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