Over 300 individuals attended the Memorial Gathering for Colonel (retired) Roger Donlon on April 10, 2024, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The event paid tribute to Donlon, a Vietnam War Veteran, for his dedicated service to the nation and the impactful legacy he left behind. A burial ceremony for Colonel (retired) Roger Donlon took place on the same day at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Donlon, who passed away on January 25, was honored for his valor as a Medal of Honor recipient and his contributions as a Vietnam War Veteran. Major Delana Small, a student at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), saluted as the procession honoring Colonel (retired) Roger Donlon passed through Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on April 10, 2024. The procession was acknowledged by over 1,300 students and faculty of the CGSC along Grant Ave, commemorating the first Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient. Donlon had been a longstanding supporter and mentor of CGSC and its students. Members of the Patriot Riders paid their respects to Colonel (retired) Roger Donlon during a Memorial Gathering held in his honor at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on April 10, 2024. Donlon, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War Veteran, passed away on January 25 at the age of 89. Norma Donlon, the wife of Colonel (retired) Roger Donlon, observed as Soldiers from the 7th Special Forces Group prepared to transport his remains to the Memorial Gathering in his honor at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on April 10, 2024. The event celebrated Donlon’s service to the country and the enduring legacy he left behind as a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War Veteran.
Fort Leavenworth in Kansas hosted a Memorial Gathering for the late Colonel Roger Donlon (ret.), a Medal of Honor recipient, on April 10. Donlon, who passed away on January 25 at the age of 89, was honored for his service to the nation and his significant impact as a Vietnam War Veteran. In 1964, Donlon, a Green Beret captain stationed at Camp Nam Dong in Vietnam, bravely led his team of advisors amidst a fierce attack by nearly 1,000 enemy soldiers. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Donlon displayed exceptional leadership, for which he was later awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon Johnson. Upon his remains’ arrival at Fort Leavenworth, over 1,300 students and faculty from the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) paid their respects to this exemplary Soldier.
Colonel Donlon’s enduring legacy as a mentor and selfless servant resonates deeply within the Command and General Staff College, the Army, and the nation, remarked CGSC Deputy Commandant Brigadier General David Foley. The Memorial Gathering at the Frontier Conference Center featured heartfelt video tributes, speeches from 15 distinguished guests, and musical performances by Steve Amerson. Attendees, including family members, current and former Green Berets, and fellow Medal of Honor recipients, gathered to honor Donlon’s memory. The event was a poignant reminder of Donlon’s unwavering leadership and the profound impact he had on those around him.
Following the Memorial Gathering, Colonel Donlon’s remains were laid to rest at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute. Donlon was known to gift a compass along with wise counsel to his loved ones: “Life will spin you around but stay on the azimuth. With faith, you will make progress towards your goal and purpose.” Donlon’s remarkable life and guidance will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring that his legacy endures in the hearts of those he touched.