STAFF SERGEANT HILLIARD CARTER distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty while serving as rifle squad leader, 1st Platoon, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during the early morning hours of 28 Sep 66. Throughout the night of 27-28 Sep 66 Sgt 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 B Company of the same unit had been overrun on the night of 25 September suffering numerous dead and wounded. While returning, before dawn, to friendly positions, the point man hit a bobby trapped grenade. Disregarding his own personal safety and possibly sacrificing his life, Sgt Carter pushed the point man away and dove for the grenade absorbing the entire blast. In so doing he saved his men from possible death and wounds. Sgt Carter lost both hands, arms and eye sight 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, but is in keeping with a leader’s responsibility in taking care of his men. This unimpreachable act of valor is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

The Distinguished Services Cross was recently presented to Hilliard Carter just prior to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment going to the middle east. The unit flew Sgt Carter and his family to Fort Campbell and gave him the full honor he justly deserved. This DSC recommendation was initially submitted in 1966 but, until a reunion in 1999, it was not known that Sgt Carter did not receive any award for his extraordinary heroism.

Mr. Carter joined the Legion of Valor in 2003 and resides in Mississippi.