Vietnam veterans reveal war's lasting trauma after returning home | Braidwood Times

For former soldier Trevor Duniam, the stark difference between the horrors of war-torn Vietnam and the peace of home only became apparent after he returned from service. As he gazed upon the familiar Tasmanian coastline after his return from Vietnam, Mr Duniam struggled to put his emotions into words, feeling an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and sorrow.

However, the real impact of his return came soon after his arrival in Australia, when he learned of the tragic death of a fellow soldier, Lex Adams, just days after his return. The news of Lex's death, a fellow mortarman from the Second Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), triggered a profound emotional response in Mr Duniam, reminding him of the risks he had taken during his time in Vietnam.

The trauma of re-entering civilian life after serving in Vietnam proved unbearable for many veterans, leading to a disturbing number of suicides among early Vietnam veterans. John Oldaker, another veteran, shared the constant threat of danger he faced while serving in Saigon as a driver for the Australian Army's Vietnamese headquarters.

The threat of bombings, attacks, and ambushes by Viet Cong insurgents was ever-present, and the danger seemed to seep into every aspect of his life. Despite their youth when they enlisted, the veterans now recognize the immense peril they faced during their service, with Oldaker criticizing the public's understanding of Australia's involvement in the war and its impact on the soldiers who fought.