Roger Donlon

Roger Hugh Charles Donlon (1934-present) is an American military officer and the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. Born in Kentucky, Donlon served in the United States Army and was stationed at Camp A Shau in South Vietnam. On July 6, 1964, while serving as a captain commanding the Army Special Forces team at the camp, Donlon demonstrated extraordinary heroism during a coordinated Viet Cong attack. Despite being wounded multiple times, Donlon moved through intense fire to rally his troops, provide medical assistance to wounded soldiers, and direct effective defensive operations. His courage under fire was instrumental in the camp’s survival against a numerically superior enemy force. Donlon’s actions exemplified the best traditions of military leadership and personal bravery. He received the Medal of Honor, becoming the first recipient of this award for the Vietnam War. After the war, Donlon continued his military career, eventually retiring as a colonel. Unlike some Medal recipients who sought public prominence, Donlon maintained a relatively modest public profile while remaining respected in military circles. His Medal of Honor earned him distinction as the first Vietnam recipient, marking an important moment in that war’s history. Donlon’s bravery represented the sacrifice and dedication of American service members who fought in Southeast Asia. His legacy remains part of American military history and the record of valor displayed by soldiers in Vietnam.