A Long Overdue Award to a Hero !
On February 21, 2003, at the 327th Infantry Headquarters, Fort Campbell, by orders of the President of The United States of America, authorized by act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 26, 1993) has awarded the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS to Hilliard Carter.
SSG Carter and LTC Ferguson after the award of the DSC seen on Carters lapel.
Staff Sergeant Hilliard Carter, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, on 28 September 1966, distinguished himself while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. Throughout the night of 27 thru 28 September, 1966, Staff Sergeant Carter and members of his squad conducted an ambush in the vicinity of Troung Loung, Republic of Vietnam. There was evidence of a large enemy force in the area, since Company B had been overrun on the night of 25 September, 1966, suffering numerous dead and wounded. While returning before dawn, to friendly positions, the point man hit a booby trapped grenade, disregarding his own safety and possibly sacrificing his own life, Staff Sergeant Carter pushed the point man away and dove for the grenade absorbing the entire blast. In doing so he saved his men from possible death and wounds. Staff Sergeant Carter lost his hands, arms and eyesight in this act.
Throughout the entire time the medics and executive officer were administering first aid to save his life, all he kept asking was "Are my men OK ?" This gallant deed was truly above and beyond the call of duty and is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the United States Army, and the United States of America.
Staff Sergeant Hilliard Carter, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, on 28 September 1966, distinguished himself while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. Throughout the night of 27 thru 28 September, 1966, Staff Sergeant Carter and members of his squad conducted an ambush in the vicinity of Troung Loung, Republic of Vietnam. There was evidence of a large enemy force in the area, since Company B had been overrun on the night of 25 September, 1966, suffering numerous dead and wounded. While returning before dawn, to friendly positions, the point man hit a booby trapped grenade, disregarding his own safety and possibly sacrificing his own life, Staff Sergeant Carter pushed the point man away and dove for the grenade absorbing the entire blast. In doing so he saved his men from possible death and wounds. Staff Sergeant Carter lost his hands, arms and eyesight in this act.
Throughout the entire time the medics and executive officer were administering first aid to save his life, all he kept asking was "Are my men OK ?" This gallant deed was truly above and beyond the call of duty and is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the United States Army, and the United States of America.
|
Col Hodges presents the Citation and cerificiate to SSG Carter.
SSG Carter's wife, Ollie and daughter, Hilliary were in attendance for the ceremony !
|