On the morning of 20 July 1966, 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment was establishing a Battalion size cordon around the village of Duc My in the Province of Phuoc Tuy South Vietnam. B Company was moving the final two hundred metres to complete the cordon on the east side of the village by linking up with other rifle companies on its flank. B Company was being led into position by Lieutenant Carruthers who had previously conducted a night reconnaissance of the area. At 0555 hours Lieutenant Carruthers sighted two Viet Cong moving on a track into the centre of the village. Lieutenant Carruthers did not open fire at that time as he knew that the cordon was not completely in position and any noise would alert the Viet Cong and give them an opportunity to escape. A few minutes later three Viet Cong one of whom was armed moved towards Lieutenant Carruthers who in the semi darkness personally and silently captured them and disarmed the one with the weapon. A few minutes later as the cordon was closed three armed Viet Cong were seen by Lieutenant Carruther's Platoon, two were wounded and captured and the other killed. The actions and courage of Lieutenant Carruthers enabled the cordon of the village to be closed successfully before the Viet Cong were aware of its presence. His leadership and courage were of a very high order and an inspiration to his platoon.