Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Dieter
Dengler
POW (RVN) Escapee
May 22, 1938

–

February 7, 2001

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Dieter Dengler was an American citizen who was born in Germany in 1938. His father was killed and the rest of his family fled the country during the World War II. He arrived in New York City in 1957, drifted to San Francisco and worked as a baker, a forest firefighter and a gold prospector before enrolling at the College of San Mateo and becoming a pilot. Lieutenant (j.g.) Dengler was a Navy pilot when his reconnaissance plane was shot down in 1966 over Laos near the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Captured by communist Pathet Lao forces, he was marched to a prison camp and tortured for five months until his escape on June 30, 1966. He later chronicled his experience in the book “Escape from Laos”. He died on February 7, 2001, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 145 (VA-145

    Division:

    U.S.S. Ranger (CVA-61)

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dieter Dengler (NSN: 0-6825142/683195), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Pilot with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE (VA-145), embarked in U.S.S. Ranger (CVA-61), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Vietnam on 1 February 1966. As a member of a four-plane flight assigned the mission of attacking a vital enemy line of communications, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dengler assisted the flight in navigating to the target across two hundred miles of ocean and over mountainous terrain in adverse weather. Despite the fact that his aircraft was severely damaged in the initial phase of his dive, he pressed his attack on the enemy targets in the face of continuing intense automatic weapons and light antiaircraft fire. He scored direct hits, which resulted in the total destruction of four military structures, the rendering of a road junction completely unusable and the silencing of the antiaircraft installations. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Dengler’s courage, outstanding airmanship, and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Laos)

    Action Date:

    June 30 – July 20, 1966
    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dieter Dengler (NSN: 0-6825142/683195), 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. (At the time of his capture, Dieter Dengler was assigned to Attack Squadron 145 (VA-145), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER.)

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Laos)

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1966 – July 20, 1966

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dieter Dengler (NSN: 0-6825142/683195), United States Navy, for meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in Laos. He never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Laos)

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1966 – July 20, 1966

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dieter Dengler (NSN: 0-6825142/683195), United States Naval Reserve, was held as a Prisoner of War in Laos from February 1, 1966 until his successful escape from captivity on July 20, 1966.