FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS – Fort Leavenworth hosted a Celebration of Life for Medal of Honor recipient Col. Roger Donlon (ret.), April 10.
Donlon passed away Jan. 25 at the age of 89. The Celebration of Life honored Donlon for his service to his country and for the legacy he left behind as a Vietnam War Veteran.
In 1964, Donlon was a Green Beret captain stationed at Camp Nam Dong, Vietnam. The small post was nestled deep in the jungles near the border of Laos. He and his team served as advisors to over 300 South Vietnamese soldiers. In the early morning of July 6, 1964, nearly 1,000 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers attacked the camp with mortars, grenades, rifles, and other small arms. Two members of his team died, and Donlon himself was wounded four times. Despite his injuries, he continued to lead his men.
Approximately six months after the attack, still recovering from his wounds, he received a remarkable honor. He was invited to the White House and presented with the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon Johnson. He became the first Green Beret in history, and the first American soldier of the Vietnam War, to receive the nation’s highest award for military valor in action.
As Donlon remains were brought onto Fort Leavenworth, more than 1,300 students and faculty from the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) lined Grant Avenue to render honors to a Soldier who continued to serve his country long after he retired from the Army in 1988.
“Colonel Donlon’s leadership, mentorship, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on the Command and General Staff College, the Army, and our nation,” said CGSC Deputy Commandant Brig. Gen. David Foley. “The profound impact he made resonates through the lives of countless young Army officers who were fortunate to receive his guidance and tutelage. While our nation mourns the loss of a hero, Colonel Donlon’s irreplaceable character leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
The Celebration of Life at the Frontier Conference Center included video tributes to Donlon, 15 guest speakers, and songs by recording artist Steve Amerson. Over 300 guests attended the event including family, current and former Green Berets, and other Medal of Honor recipients.
“I am one of the men the [the Medal of Honor] citation talks about as being wounded on July 6, 1964,” said an emotional Mike Disser, who served alongside Donlon at Camp Nam Dong. “I would not be alive today at the age of 80 had it not been for [Donlon’s] leadership.”
Following the Celebration of Life, Donlon’s remains were transferred to the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery by a riderless horse drawn caisson for a burial service that included a 21-gun salute.
Donlon often gifted friends, family, or acquaintances a compass, along with profound guidance: “Life will spin you around but stay on the azimuth. With faith, you will make progress towards your goal and purpose.”
Donlon lived an amazing life and always followed his own compass. His life and legacy will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched.
Social Sharing