Charlotte Varcoe
TWO Vietnam veterans from Mount Gambier/Berrin have been recognised with the local Returned Services League (RSL) commemorating Sapper John Rogers and Lieutenant Anthony Casadio.
The Vietnam War began in 1954 and formally ended in 1975.
Between 1963 and 1973, more than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War as part of an allied force led by the United States.
523 Australian troops died as a result of the war with a further 2400 wounded.
The two local servicemen were 22 years old when they perished during the Vietnam war with both men attending what is now Tenison Woods College during their younger years.
Anthony was a flier for the Australian Navy and in Vietnam he flew with the American 135th air group.
Unfortunately, Anthony was shot down on two occasions with the second time being his last.
Mount Gambier RSL president Bob Sandow said Anthony was also originally with the Air Cadets before “jumping over to the navy”.
Mr Sandow said at the age of 19, Anthony was flying jets before transferring to helicopters in South Vietnam.
“Anthony’s main role in the navy was as a helicopter pilot and he flew gunships,” Mr Sandow said.
“He received the Distinguished Flying Cross on behalf of the American government and the story is the American Government wanted to promote him but the Australian Navy doesn’t do that.”
He said Anthony was commemorated everywhere and was considered a hero.
“He was just a guy flying for the 135th Airborne and had the attitude to get the job done,” Mr Sandow said.
“On the day, Anthony was flying at treetop height and it was believed to have come down with an enemy’s rocket grenade.”
Mr Sandow said Anthony was also honoured by local air cadets since 1969 and has an award at Tenison Woods College that has been honoured since 1970.
He said the other veteran who was honoured, Sapper John Rogers, was also 22 years of age when he was killed in Bien Hoa in South Vietnam.
“John was called into national service so he would have been 20 years old when he went to Vietnam,” Mr Sandow.
“While in Vietnam he was a rifleman who was called up for service by the birthday ballot and served with the 2RAR.”
Mr Sandow said it was important to acknowledge veterans who were killed in action.
“There were 523 Vietnam veterans that were killed in action and we have two in Mount Gambier and it is important they are not forgotten,” he said.
“The RSL and their friends don’t forget but it is important for the general public also don’t forget.
“It has been 60 years since we first sent troops to Vietnam and 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.”
Both men are also honoured each Anzac Day with a local football match named after each of them.
The Rogers Medal is played between Kongorong and an opposing team with the Casadio Medal always played between North and South Gambier.
Alongside the significant milestone for Vietnam Veterans, a commemorative service will also be held on August 18 at the Mount Gambier War Memorial.
