It with deep sadness that the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF) offers the following statement on the passing of Colonel Roger H.C. Donlon, who became the first Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War for his extraordinary, courageous actions when his base came under a fierce enemy attack. Then-Captain Donlon raced from position to position, dragging needed supplies and ammunition, directing fire, administering aid, and encouraging his men – all while suffering several wounds and repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire. With his passing, there are only 64 living recipients of the highest military award for valor in combat and just 47 who earned the Medal for actions in Vietnam.
“The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, the military community, and the entire nation is heartbroken at the passing of this American hero. In every aspect of his life, Roger Donlon exemplified the values of the Medal of Honor, and – as the first member of the United States Army Special Forces to be awarded the Medal – has been an inspiration to generations of Green Berets,” said Chris Cassidy, President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. “I am grateful that Roger was able to visit the Museum construction site and see this testament to his and other recipients’ bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice come to life. He was a true believer in this project and all that it represents, especially the core mission of inspiring future generations with the shared values of courage and sacrifice, commitment and integrity, citizenship and patriotism. All of us at NMOHMF send our love to his wife, Norma, and his beloved children and grandchildren. We vow to uphold his legacy and preserve and share his inspirational story for generations to come.”
Photos of Colonel Roger Donlon can be found here and attached. His full Medal of Honor citation can be found here and reads as follows:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while defending a U.S. military installation against a fierce attack by hostile forces. Capt. Donlon was serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting 5 hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, Capt. Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire. Upon the initial onslaught, he swiftly marshaled his forces and ordered the removal of the needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed through a hail of small arms and exploding hand grenades to abort a breach of the main gate. En route to this position he detected an enemy demolition team of 3 in the proximity of the main gate and quickly annihilated them. Although exposed to the intense grenade attack, he then succeeded in reaching a 60mm mortar position despite sustaining a severe stomach wound as he was within 5 yards of the gun pit. When he discovered that most of the men in this gunpit were also wounded, he completely disregarded his own injury, directed their withdrawal to a location 30 meters away, and again risked his life by remaining behind and covering the movement with the utmost effectiveness. Noticing that his team sergeant was unable to evacuate the gun pit he crawled toward him and, while dragging the fallen soldier out of the gunpit, an enemy mortar exploded and inflicted a wound in Capt. Donlon’s left shoulder. Although suffering from multiple wounds, he carried the abandoned 60mm mortar weapon to a new location 30 meters away where he found 3 wounded defenders. After administering first aid and encouragement to these men, he left the weapon with them, headed toward another position, and retrieved a 57mm recoilless rifle. Then with great courage and coolness under fire, he returned to the abandoned gun pit, evacuated ammunition for the 2 weapons, and while crawling and dragging the urgently needed ammunition, received a third wound on his leg by an enemy hand grenade. Despite his critical physical condition, he again crawled 175 meters to an 81mm mortar position and directed firing operations which protected the seriously threatened east sector of the camp. He then moved to an eastern 60mm mortar position and upon determining that the vicious enemy assault had weakened, crawled back to the gun pit with the 60mm mortar, set it up for defensive operations, and turned it over to 2 defenders with minor wounds. Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from position to position around the beleaguered perimeter while hurling hand grenades at the enemy and inspiring his men to superhuman effort. As he bravely continued to move around the perimeter, a mortar shell exploded, wounding him in the face and body. As the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the enemy forces and their retreat back to the jungle leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades, Capt. Donlon immediately reorganized his defenses and administered first aid to the wounded. His dynamic leadership, fortitude, and valiant efforts inspired not only the American personnel but the friendly Vietnamese defenders as well and resulted in the successful defense of the camp. Capt. Donlon’s extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
