On Dec 5th, 1964, Capt. Roger H.C. Donlon received the Medal of Honor from Lyndon Johnson. This morning, we dedicated our workout to this HIM and his leadership.
Citation/The Thang:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while defending a U.S. military installation against a fierce attack by hostile forces. Capt. Donlon was serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp.
Sprint NUR back – AMRAP
During the violent battle that ensued, lasting 5 hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, Capt. Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire.
Sprint, 5 hand release merkins NUR back – AMRAP
Upon the initial onslaught, he swiftly marshaled his forces and ordered the removal of the needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed through a hail of small arms and exploding hand grenades to abort a breach of the main gate.
Sprint, 5 hand release merkins, sprint all the way down – AMRAP
En route to this position he detected an enemy demolition team of 3 in the proximity of the main gate and quickly annihilated them.
Sprint, 5 hand release merkins, 3 burpees NUR back – AMRAP
Although exposed to the intense grenade attack, he then succeeded in reaching a 60mm mortar position despite sustaining a severe stomach wound as he was within 5 yards of the gun pit.
Sprint, 5 hand release merkins, 100 LBC’s NUR back – AMRAP
When he discovered that most of the men in this gunpit were also wounded, he completely disregarded his own injury, directed their withdrawal to a location 30 meters away, and again risked his life by remaining behind and covering the movement with the utmost effectiveness.
Sprint, 5 hand release merkins, 30 American Hammers – AMRAP
Noticing that his team sergeant was unable to evacuate the gun pit he crawled toward him and, while dragging the fallen soldier out of the gunpit, an enemy mortar exploded and inflicted a wound in Capt. Donlon’s left shoulder.
Bear crawl, 5 hand release merkins, 20 wide arm merkins – AMRAP
Although suffering from multiple wounds, he carried the abandoned 60mm mortar weapon to a new location 30 meters away where he found 3 wounded defenders.
Bear crawl, 5 hand release merkins, 3 burpees – AMRAP
After administering first aid and encouragement to these men, he left the weapon with them, headed toward another position, and retrieved a 57mm recoilless rifle.
57 Moroccan Nightclubs
Then with great courage and coolness under fire, he returned to the abandoned gun pit, evacuated ammunition for the 2 weapons, and while crawling and dragging the urgently needed ammunition, received a third wound on his leg by an enemy hand grenade.
Bear crawl, 5 hand release merkins, 5 Burpees – AMRAP
Despite his critical physical condition, he again crawled 175 meters to an 81mm mortar position and directed firing operations which protected the seriously threatened east sector of the camp.
Bear crawl, 175 LBC’s – AMRAP
He then moved to an eastern 60mm mortar position and upon determining that the vicious enemy assault had weakened, crawled back to the gun pit with the 60mm mortar, set it up for defensive operations, and turned it over to 2 defenders with minor wounds.
Sprint, 60 Calve Raisers – AMRAP
Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from position to position around the beleaguered perimeter while hurling hand grenades at the enemy and inspiring his men to superhuman effort. As he bravely continued to move around the perimeter, a mortar shell exploded, wounding him in the face and body.
Mosey 4 corners 5 hand release merkins
As the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the enemy forces and their retreat back to the jungle leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades, Capt. Donlon immediately reorganized his defenses and administered first aid to the wounded.
57 Moroccan Nightclubs
His dynamic leadership, fortitude, and valiant efforts inspired not only the American personnel but the friendly Vietnamese defenders as well and resulted in the successful defense of the camp. Capt. Donlon’s extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
22 For the Troops
When receiving the Medal of Honor, Capt. Donlon introduced all the remaining survivors of his team to the president and said, “The medal belongs to them, too.” He would later write, “It was a team effort, and I was simply the designated leader.” Always lead humbly and with a servant heart.
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves”
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