Roger Donlon Obituary – Cause of Death News : “Vietnam War Hero Passes: First Medal of Honor Recipient, 89”

– First Medal of Honor recipient Vietnam War
– Medal of Honor recipient Vietnam War dies at 89.

Roger Donlon, First American Medal of Honor Recipient for Vietnam War Heroism, Passes Away at 89

Roger Donlon, the courageous soldier who became the first American to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Vietnam War, passed away on Thursday in Leavenworth, Kansas. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society confirmed the news of his demise. Donlon, who valiantly served his country, was 89 years old at the time of his passing.

Donlon’s remarkable bravery in Vietnam during the summer of 1964 earned him the prestigious decoration, which was presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House in December of that same year. His selfless acts of heroism will forever be remembered and honored.

After a long and arduous battle with Parkinson’s disease, Donlon succumbed to the illness. An obituary shared online revealed that he was only five days away from celebrating his 90th birthday. His resilience and determination throughout his 12-year fight against the disease serve as a testament to his unwavering spirit.

Donlon once shared, “In my situation and every other situation that leads to the Medal of Honor, there is absolutely no input from the recipient. It’s all done by observers. Heroism is a product of what other people see.” His humility and modesty were evident even in the face of such extraordinary acts of courage.

On that fateful day of July 6, 1964, Captain Donlon, then serving as the commanding officer of the Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong, Vietnam, found himself facing an early morning ambush by a Viet Cong battalion. In a remarkable display of leadership and bravery, Donlon directed defense operations during the five-hour-long battle, exposing himself to mortar shells, grenades, and heavy gunfire.

Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Donlon continued to lead his fellow troops, providing first aid and encouragement, until the camp was successfully defended. His unwavering dedication to his comrades and his incredible resilience in the face of danger are a testament to his extraordinary character.

Born in Saugerties, New York, Donlon’s journey of service began when he enlisted in the Air Force in December 1953. After serving until July 1955, he went on to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. However, he made the decision to enlist in the Army the following year, commissioning as a second lieutenant after graduating from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Donlon’s determination and commitment to excellence led him to earn the coveted “Green Beret” after completing the U.S. Army Special Warfare School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He went on to have a distinguished military career, retiring as a colonel in 1988.

In 2018, Donlon generously donated his Medal of Honor to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during a heartfelt ceremony. His selflessness and dedication to his fellow soldiers will forever be remembered.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Roger Donlon, we are reminded of the countless sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. Their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms and ensuring our safety is a debt we can never fully repay.

While we mourn the loss of a true American hero, we are grateful for the indelible mark he left on our nation’s history. Donlon’s name will forever be etched among the esteemed recipients of the Medal of Honor.

As we bid farewell to Roger Donlon, we honor his memory and express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations to serve with valor and selflessness.

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– First Medal of Honor recipient Vietnam War
– Medal of Honor recipient Vietnam War dies at.