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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps

Bruce Wayne Carter

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company H, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines,
    3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: August 7, 1969
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as grenadier with Company H in connection with combat operations against the enemy. Pfc. Carter's unit was maneuvering against the enemy during Operation Idaho Canyon and came under a heavy volume of fire from a numerically superior hostile force. The lead element soon became separated from the main body of the squad by a brush fire. Pfc. Carter and his fellow marines were pinned down by vicious crossfire when, with complete disregard for his safety, he stood in full view of the North Vietnamese Army soldiers to deliver a devastating volume of fire at their positions. The accuracy and aggressiveness of his attack caused several enemy casualties and forced the remainder of the soldiers to retreat from the immediate area. Shouting directions to the marines around him, Pfc. Carter then commenced leading them from the path of the rapidly approaching brush fire when he observed a hostile grenade land between him and his companions. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his action but determined to protect the men following him, he unhesitatingly threw himself over the grenade, absorbing the full effects of its detonation with his body. Pfc. Carter's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Medal of Honor Recipient Bruce W. Carter
Medal of Honor Recipient Bruce W. Carter
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: September 9, 1971

    The White House, presented by Vice Pres. Spiro T. Agnew to his family

  • Born: May 7, 1950, Schenectady, Schenectady County, NY, United States
  • Died: August 7, 1969, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery (reinterred from Vista Memorial Gardens, Hialeah, FL), Arlington, VA, United States
 

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