#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Matthew Carter

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Sergeant Matthew Carter.

Matthew served during the Vietnam War with B Company, 1/22nd Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. In 2012, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star after his death in 1996.

His bravery and courage were clearly displayed on the violent night of June 13, 1968 in western Vietnam, when the U.S. Army Special Forces camp in Dan Pek was under heavy artillery and rocket fire. For several days leading up to that night, the camp had been under constant fire from the Northern Vietnamese Army, who could see everything they did. The camp was propped near the Ho Chi Minh trail, making it a vulnerable target to be besieged by the Vietnamese.

While attempting to suppress the enemy attacks, Mathew was wounded by an enemy rocket. However, his own safety and health were the last of his concerns. He refused to leave his position, continuing to help repel the attacks until he was wounded again by an enemy grenade. Heavily injured and in pain, Carter repaired his jammed machine gun and continued to fire until he passed out from the wounds. Fortunately, the Army and Air Force were able to work together and push the Vietnamese back.

44 years later, it was discovered that Carter had been awarded the Silver Star, but never received his medal due to an administration error. With the help of Carter’s platoon leader, John McHenry, Matthew’s medal was presented to his widow and family at the annual B Company reunion in 2012.

“The actions of Sgt. Carter on June 13, 1968, define gallantry in action,” Major General James Tyre said. Carter was truly a selfless soldier and daring leader, who always put the safety and welfare of his fellow soldiers and country before his own.

We honor Matthew’s service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service..

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Editor’s note:  Scott Liu, an intern with VA’s digital media engagement team, authored today’s Veteran of the Day.