| Roger H.C. Donlon | |
| Birth Date: | 30 January 1934 |
| Birth Place: | Saugerties, New York, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Leavenworth, Kansas, U.S. |
| Allegiance: | United States |
| Branch: | United States Air Force (1953–55) United States Army (1958–88) |
| Serviceyears: | 1953–1955 1958–1988 |
| Rank: | Colonel |
| Unit: | 7th Special Forces Group |
| Battles: | Vietnam War |
| Awards: | Medal of Honor Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart |
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.
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.[1] He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1967.[2]
In May 1964, Donlon's team was sent to Vietnam where they established an outpost at Nam Dong, about 15miles 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.[3] 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.[4]
In 1965, Donlon received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.[5]
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.[6]
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:
Donlon's military awards include:
Unit Awards
Foreign decorations and awards
| Officer of the National Order of Vietnam | ||
| Gallantry Cross with Palm | ||
| Vietnam Campaign Medal |