William Carter Duberry: Veteran of the Month | May 2026

At just 17 years old, William “Carter” Duberry voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was born on December 31, 1956, and raised in the small town of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, located about 60 miles south of Nashville. Duberry was the second-oldest of four children, with two brothers and one sister. Growing up in a small country town, life was simple, with not much to do as a child other than fishing and playing baseball.

 

Military service ran in the family. His father, uncle, and older brother all joined the Army, but Duberry wanted to take his own path. As he explained in his laidback southern drawl, “You look around, and everybody was joinin [sic] the Army, so I wanted to do something different and join the Marine Corps.”

 

Duberry and his older brother enlisted at the same time. Because Duberry was only 17, he needed his parents’ signature before he could join. He recalled, “I turned 17 December 31st and my feet was in San Diego February 4th.” Leaving high school behind, Duberry entered the Marine Corps at a very young age to serve his country during a time of war.

 

Duberry completed boot camp in San Diego before spending a year training at Camp Pendleton, California, for his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), 3042 in supply. He stated, “I was with the Fifth Marines, second battalion, Fifth Marines.” During the Vietnam War, Marines with his MOS 3042 were responsible for managing unit supplies, inventory, and logistics. This MOS provided essential support to front-line Marine units in Vietnam, and their efforts ensured that troops remained adequately supplied. Refelcting back, he explained, “We was a skeleton crew, ain’t no one there because they was all in Nam.” Even though he enlisted during the war, Duberry never deployed. “I joined while the war was going on, but I didn’t go to Nam. I got lucky,” he said.

 

After his time in California, Duberry was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, often referred to as K-Bay. He reported to the First Marine Brigade, where he supported the air wing and fighter jets for approximately 18 months. He enjoyed his time there, but the reality of wartime service was always present. Duberry remembered officers walking down the hall through the barracks, selecting Marines at random for deployment assignments. “There was three of us to a room. They went down through the hall and said, ‘You you you pack your trash. You pack your trash.’ But I didn’t have to. I didn’t get picked. Thank the Lord.”

Duberry was discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of E3 in 1976, but it was a decision he later came to regret. Looking back, he wishes he had stayed in and pursued a career as a warrant officer. The Marines played a significant role in shaping him into an adult very quickly, but also provided him with friendships and memories that still stay with him today. Reflecting on his service, he shared, “I met a lot of good people. I miss it. I still miss it.”

 

After leaving the military, Duberry returned home to Tennessee and worked in construction while continuing to enjoy country life and fishing. He described how life back home was simple, explaining, “There ain’t much to do in the country but drive around, work, and fishin.” He added, “My town only has one stop light, or maybe two by now.”

 

About 15 years ago, Duberry began losing his eyesight due to an advanced and progressive glaucoma. He described, “My left eye went out immediately, and my right eye, I could make out shapes and light, but it kept getting worse and worse.” 

 

Duberry has faced many hardships over the years, including the difficult reality that his declining vision prevented him from raising two boys, whom he fathered at 60 years old. They were adopted by relatives on their mother’s side of the family. Though painful, he really enjoys hearing updates about how they are doing. 

 

May 8 marked the 52nd anniversary of his graduation from Marine Corps boot camp. Now 69 years old, Duberry recently learned about the passing of a fellow Marine with whom he had enlisted. Dueberry opened up, stating, “Man, that tore me up. It’s hard losin friends at this age, and I’ve been thinking about him a lot. His name was Steve.”

 

Through all the ups and downs in his life, Duberry remains deeply thankful for the people who continue to support him every day. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for his relatives, especially two of his first cousins, who continue to help care for him after the loss of his vision. Duberry shared thoughtfully, “I’d really like to thank my friends and relatives for all they’ve done for me, especially Judy Duberry and Susan Rector. They are the only ones that I really got.” Despite life-changing challenges, Duberry leans on his faith and on his gratitude for his family members, who continue to show up for him. In a final sentiment, Duberry expressed, “I thank the Lord for everything He’s done for me.”

 

Veterans Care Coordination is proud to recognize William Carter Duberry for his service to our country. We are privileged to have the opportunity to share the stories of our nation’s heroes.  Thank you for your service, Carter, and welcome home.