– Green Beret Foundation saddened by passing of retired Army Col. Roger H. C. Donlon
– First Medal of Honor recipient in Vietnam War, Col. Roger H. C. Donlon, passes away.
Cause Death – Obituary News : Retired Army Col. Roger H. C. Donlon, the first recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of heroism and dedication to his country. The Green Beret Foundation, deeply saddened by his loss, extends their condolences to the Donlon family, his friends, fellow Green Berets, and the entire Special Forces community.
Col. Donlon’s life was marked by extraordinary bravery and selflessness. Born in 1934 in Saugerties, New York, he enlisted in the Army in 1955, embarking on a distinguished military career. In 1964, he found himself in the midst of the Vietnam War, serving as the commanding officer of a small Special Forces camp in Nam Dong.
It was during the early morning hours of July 6, 1964, when Col. Donlon’s camp came under attack by a large force of Viet Cong soldiers. Despite being heavily outnumbered and injured, he displayed exceptional leadership and courage. He rallied his men, directed defensive fire, and personally engaged the enemy, even after sustaining serious wounds.
For his extraordinary actions during the battle, Col. Donlon was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson on December 5, 1964. His unwavering bravery and commitment to his comrades in the face of grave danger set an example for generations of soldiers to come.
After retiring from active duty, Col. Donlon continued to contribute to the military community. He served as the Director of Operations for the National Desert Storm Support Team and later became the President of the Special Forces Association. His dedication to supporting his fellow Green Berets and advocating for their welfare was unwavering.
The passing of Col. Donlon is a great loss to the Special Forces community and the nation as a whole. His bravery, leadership, and commitment to serving his country will be remembered and honored for years to come.
In this time of mourning, it is important to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by individuals like Col. Donlon and to express our gratitude for their service. The Green Beret Foundation stands ready to support the Donlon family and the Special Forces community during this difficult time.
As we remember Col. Donlon’s incredible legacy, let us also honor the countless men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage and dedication. Their sacrifices ensure the freedoms we enjoy today..
https://twitter.com/GreenBeretFound/status/1750972595753656473
Condolences
@GreenBeretFound said The #GreenBeretFoundation is deeply saddened by the passing of retired Army Col. Roger H. C. Donlon, a true American hero & the first #MedalofHonor recipient in the #VietnamWar. We extend our condolences to the Donlon family, his friends, fellow Green Berets, & the SF community.
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