Roger Donlon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roger H.C. Donlon
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| Born | January 30, 1934 Saugerties, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 25, 2024 (aged 89) |
| Allegiance | United States |
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United States Air Force (1953–55) United States Army (1958–88) |
| Years of service | 1953–1955 1958–1988 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 7th Special Forces Group |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War
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| Awards | Medal of Honor Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart |
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 at Omaha in 1967.
Career
In May 1964, Donlon's team was sent to Vietnam where they established an outpost at Nam Dong, about 15 miles (24 km) 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 on January 25, 2024, at the age of 89.
Awards and decorations
Donlon's military awards include:
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Combat Infantry Badge |
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South Vietnam Parachutist badge |
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Medal of Honor |
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Army Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Legion of Merit |
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Bronze Star Medal |
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Purple Heart |
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Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Joint Service Commendation Medal |
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Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Army Good Conduct Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service star |
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Army Service Ribbon |
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Army Overseas Service |
Foreign decorations and awards
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Officer of the National Order of Vietnam |
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Gallantry Cross with Palm |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
See also
