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 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.

Citation:

Awards and decorations Donlon's military awards include:

Unit Awards +Army Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze oak leaf clusters

Foreign decorations and awards