From Vietnam to Writing: Dave Morgan’s Remarkable Story

Caloundra’s Dave Morgan, a Vietnam War veteran and retired Bureau of Meteorology Technical Officer, uses writing as a powerful tool to cope with the ongoing effects of PTSD.

His latest book, Never Forgotten – Honouring Our Veterans, highlights the stories of 38 veterans, including eight from the Sunshine Coast.

All royalties go to Legacy Australia, with a second volume already in progress, featuring 30 more veterans.

A Childhood Marked by Loss and Resilience

Born in Melbourne in 1948, Dave, his twin brother Don, older brother Gerald, and sister Sybil were raised by their mother, Sybella, who became a widow during her pregnancy with the twins.

Facing health challenges and financial strain, Sybella moved the family to Caloundra.

“We had nothing. Mum took on any jobs she could get,” Dave recalls.

Becoming involved in the local Methodist church; strong community bonds helped the family through tough times.

It was Sir George Francis (Frank) Nicklin himself, former premier of Queensland, who gave Dave a reference to join the army.

“We sat next to Sir Frank in church,” Dave shares.

“Mum had good friends here, and Legacy helped us.”

“I don’t believe we would have survived without Legacy and that’s why I donate my royalties to them – so they can keep helping kids like we were and mums like my mum.”

A Life of Service and Struggle

Graduating with Don as the first set of twins at Caloundra High School in the late 1960s, Dave began his military journey at 17, joining the Army and deploying to Vietnam in 1969 with the 104 Signal Squadron.

He served at multiple fire support bases, enduring frequent Viet Cong attacks and during one assault, Dave’s pit collapsed, and he lost an eye.

But returning home, he faced hostility in Australia.

“I nearly lose my life in Vietnam, and the minute I touch down in Sydney, I get spat on,” he says.

“That experience haunts me to this day.”

Years later, after leaving the Army, Dave worked as a Technical Officer (Weather Observer) with the Bureau of Meteorology.

His career took him to remote locations like Macquarie Island and Davis Station, often in complete isolation.

On one mission to Casey Station, he slipped on blue ice, suffering severe head and neck injuries that require a medevac to the mainland.

Dave later wrote about that experience in Ice Journey.

“I shouldn’t have survived, but when my head hit the ice, the cold somehow gelled the blood – the neurologist said it was a miracle.”

Finding Salvation Through Writing

Even in retirement, Dave continues to battle PTSD, but writing has become his salvation.

I’m not sure I’d be here without my books to focus on,” he says.

“Writing helps me face the past and connect with other veterans.”

Each of the 38 veterans featured in Never Forgotten share their unique stories of sacrifice, resilience, and survival.

And for Dave, writing is about preserving their legacy as a method of healing.

“There are times when I felt like there was no way out,” he admits.

“But each time, something—or someone—pulled me back from the brink.”

One of those life-saving moments happened during a trip to America when Dave met a fellow Vietnam veteran.

“This guy, he saved my life,” Dave reveals.

“He gets me into parachuting and skiing, which helped break the darkness.”

Dave also credits his family for their unwavering support, particularly his wife, Debbie.

“A lot of women would have left me—wouldn’t have wanted to deal with the depression and moods,” Dave says.

“But my wonderful wife has survived it all alongside me.”

Their children, David and Michelle, have grown into successful, resilient adults, but Dave doesn’t credit himself.

“They’ve done well for themselves, despite me—not because of me,” Dave acknowledges.

“I was very strict – it would have been hard to grow up with me.”

Today, Dave is penning his fifth book.

“Exercise and writing keep me going,” he says.

“My mate in America always told me, ‘Challenge yourself, forget the bad stuff and just keep going,’ and I’ve remembered that and tried to keep doing that ever since.”

To purchase one of Dave’s books visit www.bigskypublishing.com.au/dave-morgan/