REST IN PEACE, SERGEANT DON, RNZA

SGT Don, along with BDR Robert “Jocko” White were the first NZDF personnel killed in action in Vietnam when the Land Rover they were travelling in hit a command detonated mine during Op Ben Cat on 14 September 1965.

Op Ben Cat was the first large scale military operation conducted by 161 Bty during the Vietnam War that commenced with the 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting a brigade-sized road move. The Land Rover they were travelling in was 6th in the order of march. As per standard operating procedures at the time the Land Rover was stripped down with no doors, windows or roof, with the floor covered with sand bags. The hope was that the occupants would be thrown clear, as occurred to the two other occupants of the vehicle.

L/Bdr Rodney Edwards and NZPA

War Correspondent Chris Turver MNZM were thrown clear, though both suffered wounds.

At the request of SGT Don’s family his remains were welcomed onto the Bty lines prior to a blessing. A short presentation on SGT Don was given and a number of Vietnam veterans, including Chris Turver were given the opportunity to speak about their experiences, SGT Don, and the incident where he was killed. SGT Don was described by those that knew him as the epitome of what a SNCO and a soldier should be.

Prior to his service with 161 Bty in Vietnam SGT Don had served with 1RNZIR in the Malaysian conflict.

SGT Don’s remains were initially buried at Terendak Barracks, Malaysia, but were returned to New Zealand in 2018 as part of the Te Auraki Repatriation Project.

28 (Māori) Battalion Campaign and Battle Honours Flag into Te Rau Aroha. This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony and karakia led by Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau, Te Kitohi Pikaahu. The Battle Honours Colours were mounted and rested in perpetuity.

His remains were buried in a family plot along side his late wife Isabel at the Awa Tapu RSA Cemetery in April 2023.

SGT Don was awarded the Military Merit Medal and the Cross of Gallantry with Palm by the South Vietnamese Government. He was 27 when he was killed and left behind his wife and his three children.