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Vietnam Vet and POW Doug Hegdahl of Clark, SD
Episode 3120 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the amazing feats of Navy Vietnam Vet Doug Hegdahl. The featured story is titled: Doug Hegdahl’s Courageous Vietnam War POW Story and Prison Intelligence.
The story reports that Doug Hegdahl, a Vietnam War hero from South Dakota, remains one of the most remarkable yet under recognized figures of the conflict. In 1967, after falling overboard from the USS Canberra, Hegdahl was captured by North Vietnamese forces and sent to the infamous Hỏa Lò Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Rather than resist or act defiantly, Hegdahl adopted an ingenious strategy: he pretended to be illiterate and simple-minded. This clever deception convinced his captors that he posed no threat, earning him the nickname “the incredibly stupid one.”
But behind this humble disguise, Hegdahl was executing acts of quiet heroism. Assigned to sweep prison grounds, he secretly passed messages between prisoners, sabotaged five enemy trucks by contaminating their fuel tanks, and, most astonishingly, memorized the names and details of 256 fellow POWs—setting the information to the tune of “Old McDonald.” His photographic memory and courage ensured their identities were preserved and ultimately reported to U.S. authorities.
In 1969, Hegdahl was urged to accept early release so he could share the intelligence he had gathered. Upon returning home, his testimony not only confirmed the status of 63 missing service members, but also exposed the harsh realities of life in captivity, leading to increased international pressure on North Vietnam.
After his service, Hegdahl taught at the U.S. military’s SERE school, quietly passing on lessons of resilience and subterfuge. His story is a testament to how intelligence, bravery, and an unassuming demeanor can defy enemy forces and save lives. Doug Hegdahl is a true American hero—South Dakota’s own quiet warrior who changed history with wit, grit, and heart.
Listen to Episode 3120 and discover more about the amazing feats of Navy Vietnam Vet Doug Hegdahl.
