DON Gray spent most of 1971 surrounded by dense jungle at a military base close to Nui Dat, in Phuoc Tuy Province in Vietnam’s south.
The Bacchus Marsh veteran worked in logistics at a military base hospital in 1971 and ’72 and was often seconded to convoys and clearing patrols close to Saigon.
The Australian base at Nui Dat was in the middle of dangerous Viet Cong territory and was home to some 5000 Diggers, although many , like Don, were deployed on operations outside the base.
The now-treasurer at Bacchus Marsh’s RSL still remembers the jolt of being woken from a stagnant period and thrust into battle.
“After working in the depot and ration supply area I suddenly joined a convoy to Saigon, right through a heavy Viet Cong area,” he said.
“I was very lucky in that I wasn’t or didn’t see anyone injured on my missions, although I came across a few dramatic moments back at the base.”
Don tells of enjoying a few beers at the base before stumbling across a fellow soldier trying to stab himself in the shower block.
“He was weeping. He was clearly depressed and deeply affected by something he had seen. It’s an enduring memory,” he said.
Don believes it’s important to honour the sacrifices made by soldiers and their admirable job representing and protecting Australia.
“It’s hard to settle back into everyday life. It’s so important for soldiers to feel recognised and congratulated for what they have done,” he said.
Bacchus Marsh’s Anzac Day dawn service starts at 5.45am and will be followed by a breakfast at Moorabool Public Hall in Main Street.
More than 1000 people lined the street for last year’s service.
