Roger Donlon

Roger Hugh Charles Donlon (January 30, 1934 – January 25, 2024) was a United States Army officer. He was the first person to receive the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War, as well as the first member of the United States Army Special Forces to be so honored.

Early life and education

Donlon was born in Saugerties, New York, the eighth child of ten. He attended the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University for a year. He joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and was admitted to West Point in 1955, but resigned for personal reasons. He re-enlisted, this time in the United States Army, in 1958, went to Officer Candidate School, and served as a general's aide. In August 1963 he joined the Special Forces. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1967.

Career

File:Donlon MOH presentation.jpg

Donlon (standing at right, at attention) waits to receive his Medal of Honor from U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In May 1964, Donlon's team was sent to Vietnam where they established an outpost at Nam Dong, about from the border with Laos. Early in the morning of July 6, 1964, the base was attacked by a large force of Vietcong. Under Captain Donlon's leadership, the two-battalion attack was repelled. Donlon received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Donlon later retired at the rank of colonel.

Donlon was awarded the key to the city of Lexington, Kentucky, by Mayor Fred Fugazzi on June 28, 1965.

In 1965, Donlon received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

Later life and death

Donlon wrote two books about his experiences in the Vietnam War: Outpost of Freedom and Beyond Nam Dong. He lived in Kansas with his wife, Norma, and children.

Roger Donlon died in Leavenworth, Kansas on January 25, 2024, five days before his 90th birthday.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army. Place and date: Near Nam Dong, Republic of Vietnam, July 6, 1964. Entered service at: Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Born: January 30, 1934, Saugerties, New York. General Orders No. 41: December 17, 1964.

File:Somchita Donlon Kraiwal 1987.JPEG

Photo of Donlon with Thai generals at the island of Okinawa in 1987

Citation: Template:Quote

Awards and decorations

Donlon's military awards include:

File:Combat Infantry Badge.svg	Combat Infantry Badge
File:ViPaBa.jpg	South Vietnam Parachutist badge
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Medal of Honor
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Legion of Merit
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Bronze Star Medal
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Purple Heart
Bronze oak leaf cluster Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusters
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Joint Service Commendation Medal
Bronze oak leaf cluster Bronze oak leaf cluster Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Army Good Conduct Medal
Bronze oak leaf cluster Template:Ribbon devices/alt	National Defense Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusters
Bronze star Bronze star Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service star
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Army Service Ribbon
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Army Overseas Service

Unit Awards

Bronze oak leaf cluster

Template:Ribbon devices/alt

Army Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze oak leaf clusters

Foreign decorations and awards

File:VPD National Order of Vietnam - Officer BAR.svg	Officer of the National Order of Vietnam
File:Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with palm.svg	Gallantry Cross with Palm
File:Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon, with 60- clasp.svg	Vietnam Campaign Medal

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War

External links

• Template:Internet Archive short film