Last Aussie Vietnam War soldiers coming home

news.com.au ^ | 30th August 2009

[naturalman1975]

AUSTRALIA'S last two servicemen missing in action from the Vietnam War have begun their final journey home.

The remains of Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver, both lost in 1970, have been placed aboard a RAAF Hercules transport aircraft for the trip from Hanoi, Vietnam, back to Australia.

Family members and former comrades of the RAAF's 2 Squadron observed the solemn ceremony at Noi Bai Airfield as their caskets were carried aboard the aircraft.

The family members and former servicemen will accompany them on the journey home.

Parliamentary secretary Dr Mike Kelly said the aircraft would fly to RAAF Base Richmond, northwest of Sydney, where they would be ceremonially received by current and former members of 2 Squadron.

"Today, our last remaining Australian Defence Force members from the Vietnam War will return home. After 39 years, Flying Officer Herbert and Pilot Officer Carver's family and friends will finally be able to bring them home to lay them to rest," he said.

[naturalman1975]

One day, I hope and pray, our American brothers can read the same about their MIAs.

United ... Shane Herbert, brother of flying officer Michael Patrick Herbert, sits next to his brother's coffin

[Tainan]

Welcome home Lads and Rest in Peace.

Such touching photos.

[Pentagon Leatherneck]

Rest in peace on the home sod, mates.

TC

[A.A. Cunningham]

RAAF Canberra

[wetgundog]

ATTEN,HUT

HAND SALUTE

POST

Vietnam 1968-1969

Welcome Home Mate

[SandRat]

If there's a trip one way, he said,
Into battle grim for me,
Don't let them say when I am dead:
He died to save democracy;
Nor let them say: He fought to free
Enslaved nations, white or brown;
Just print these simple words for me:

He would not let his cobbers down.

[BuffaloJack]

Holy Crap!!!
I used to bum rides with some of the Aussie pilots whenever I needed to go to Tan Son Nhut Airfield. In November of ‘70, the ride I thought I had arranged got canceled because the pilot that I’d asked a couple of days before was missing. I wonder if this was him.
Michael Herbert and Robert Carver, thank you for your service.
My prayers are with you.
Jack