Roger H. C. Donlon

Era | Vietnam War |
---|---|
Branch | U.S. Army |
Rank | Colonel |
Wall | H |
Wall Side | 4 |
Row | 1 |
Plaque Number | 1 |
MEDALS-RIBBONS: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service /1 OLC, Joint Service Commendation, Army Commendation w/1 OLC, Good Conduct, National Defense Service w/1 OLC, Armed Forces Expeditionary Vietnam Service w/3 Bronze Stars, Army Service, Overseas Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm
He was the first Vietnam War, and Army Special Forces soldier to receive the MOH, which took place on July 6, 1964. Captain Roger Donlon and his 12-member Special Forces Team were at Camp Nam Dong, located near the Laotian border with 311 RVN irregulars and 60 ethnic Chinese. Coming under attack by a larger number of VC, Donlon went to block a breach of the camp’s main gate where he killed a three-man sapper team with dynamite. As enemy fighters neared the ammunition bunker, Donlon ran to assist its defense. Nearing the bunker, he was severely wounded in his arm and stomach by a mortar blast. Tearing a piece from his shirt, he stuffed it in his stomach wound to slow the bleeding. Throughout the remainder of the five-hour battle, Captain Donlon brought his men supplies and ammunition, treating their wounds, and encouraging them to fight. Despite sustaining several more wounds, Donlon refused to quit, leading the defense of the camp until he was near complete exhaustion. At dawn, the defeated enemy forces retreated into the jungle.
Plaque Wall Map
