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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force CPT Lance Sijan.
Medal of Honor
Episode 2994 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force CPT Lance Sijan. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.
Captain Lance P. Sijan, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, embodied the highest ideals of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. A U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Sijan flew an F-4 Phantom over North Vietnam when his aircraft was disabled by a malfunctioning bomb on November 9, 1967. Ejecting from his stricken jet, he suffered a fractured skull, broken leg, and mangled hand but still evaded capture for over six weeks, crawling through the jungle with unrelenting determination.
Eventually captured by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), Sijan was taken to a prison camp, where he continuously resisted interrogation despite brutal torture. Severely weakened, he managed to escape, only to be recaptured and subjected to even harsher conditions. Refusing to betray his comrades, Sijan never revealed any military intelligence. His unbreakable spirit earned the respect of fellow prisoners, who recounted his incredible willpower and courage.
Transferred to the infamous Hỏa Lò Prison (Hanoi Hilton), his condition worsened due to malnutrition and untreated injuries. On January 22, 1968, Captain Lance Sijan succumbed to his wounds at just 25 years old.
For his extraordinary heroism, Sijan was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive this highest military decoration. His legacy endures through the Lance P. Sijan Award, honoring outstanding Air Force personnel who exemplify his courage, leadership, and selfless service.
Listen to Episode 2994 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force CPT Lance Sijan.
