Medal of Honor, Bruce W. Carter, Vietnam War, August 7, 1969
In the chaos of a firefight and an oncoming brush fire, Private First Class Bruce W. Carter refused to think of his own safety. When a grenade threatened the lives of his fellow Marines, he threw himself on it, making the ultimate sacrifice to save them.
August 9, 2025
Name: Bruce W. Carter
War: Vietnam War
Date of Action: August 7, 1969
Summary of Action:
On August 7, 1969, during Operation Idaho Canyon in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, PFC Bruce W. Carter’s squad was caught under intense enemy fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. When the lead element became separated by a fast-moving brush fire, Carter exposed himself in full view of the enemy to deliver accurate fire, forcing the enemy to retreat. As he directed his comrades out of danger, a hostile grenade landed between him and the Marines behind him. Without hesitation, Carter threw himself over the grenade, absorbing the full force of the blast to shield the others from harm. His final act ensured the survival of his fellow Marines and stands as a testament to courage, loyalty, and selfless devotion.
Medal of Honor 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.
