AMONG THE BRAVE

OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER… EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM…LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE DIETER DENGLER, UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE…

NAVY CROSS

“The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to LIEUTENANT, JUNIOR GRADE DIETER DENGLER, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism during an extremely daring escape from a Prisoner of War stockade in Laos on 30 June 1966. Playing a key role in planning, preparing for, and developing an escape and evasion operation involving several fellow prisoners and himself, LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE DENGLER, keenly aware of the hazardous nature of the escape attempt, boldly initiated the operation and contributed in large measure to its success. When an unplanned situation developed while the escape operation was being executed, he reacted with the highest degree of valor and gallantry. Through his courageous and inspiring fighting spirit, LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE DENGLER upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

LTJG DENGLER was flying an A-1J of the VA-145 Swordsmen embarked in USS Ranger when downed by enemy ground fire in Steel Tiger (Laos) and captured by the Pathet Lao on 1 February 1966. He made his escape on 29 June and was rescued on 20 July. He told his story in a book, “Escape From Laos,” which was made into a full length movie. Among his other combat awards is the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Dieter Dengler commited suicide on 7 February 2001 in Mill Valley, California. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The Truth About Rescue Dawn-the miraculous escape of Dieter Dengler