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SOG Montagnard mercenaries in Vietnam.

Congressional Medal of Honor recipent Army Capt. Loren Douglas Hagen

Episode 2701 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Army Capt. Loren Douglas Hagen and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. The featured story comes from The U.S. Department of Defense website and was titled: Medal of Honor Monday: Army Capt. Loren Douglas Hagen. It was submitted by Katie Lange, a writer for DOD News.

Lange in her story reported that according to Army documents, on the afternoon of Aug. 6, 1971, Recon Team Kansas led by Doug Hagen was inserted into mountainous, rocky enemy terrain to do some reconnaissance and potentially rescue prisoners of war. After they set up defensive perimeters around the few bunkers near the hilltop, the team hunkered down for the night, occasionally detected enemy movement that they fired upon as needed.

Around 6 a.m. the next day, they were fiercely attacked by a large enemy force that was employing small-arms, automatic weapons and mortar and rocket fire against them.

While valiantly leading his men in the battle, Hagen ignored his own safety and crawled through enemy fire, returning volleys with his own gun until he was hit and killed. For his actions that day, Hagen was presented The Medal of Honor was by Vice President Gerald R. Ford on Aug. 8, 1974,

Lange also reported that Doug Hagen was born on Feb. 25, 1946, to Loren and Eunice Hagen, and went by his middle name, Doug. For much of his childhood, he and his two younger brothers lived in Moorhead, Minnesota, on the border with Fargo, North Dakota, until their parents moved them to Decatur, Illinois. There, Hagen excelled at MacArthur High School, where he was an honor student and the president of the student council his senior year. He was also an Eagle Scout.

Listen to episode 2701 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Army Capt. Loren Douglas Hagen and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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The 31-year-old staff sergeant, Jon R. Cavaiani, received the nation’s highest medal for valor from President Gerald R. Ford during a White House ceremony on Dec. 12, 1974.

Episode 2700 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Raymond Army Sgt. Maj. Jon Robert Cavaiani and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. The featured story comes from The U.S. Department of Defense website and was titled: Medal of Honor Monday: Army Sgt. Maj. Jon R. Cavaiani. It was submitted by Katie Lange, a writer for DOD News.

Lange in her story reported that Army Sgt. Maj. Jon Robert Cavaiani fought an overwhelming North Vietnamese force until he couldn’t fight anymore. His actions saved dozens of men who served under him, but they also earned him two years at a prisoner of war camp. When he finally returned home, the Special Forces legend was greeted with respect and, soon after, the Medal of Honor.

Cavaiani was born Jon Lemmons in Royston, England, to an American soldier named Pete Lemmons and a British mother, Dorothy. He had a younger brother named Carl.

When Jon was 4, he and his brother were sent to live with their uncle in California. Eventually, his parents came over, too, but they divorced. His mother remarried a man named Ugo Cavaiani in 1950, and they settled in Ballico, California. When his stepfather adopted him in the early 1960s, Jon decided to take the name Cavaiani.

Cavaiani became a naturalized citizen in 1968. He joined the Army because he said he had a few half-brothers who were already serving in Vietnam.  He became a member of the Special Forces and was sent to Vietnam. He was sent to Hickory Hill near the DMZ. On the morning of June 4, 1971, the young staff sergeant woke up to find the entire camp under fire from a large enemy force. Without regard for his own safety, he put himself in harm’s way several times to move around the camp’s perimeter to rally and direct the platoon’s return fire; using any weapon he could find to join them.

For his actions at Hickory Hill Cavaiani was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Listen to episode 2700 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Raymond Army Sgt. Maj. Jon Robert Cavaiani and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Congressional Medal of Honor recepient Marine Vietnam Vet Raymond Michael Clausen Jr.

Marine Corps Pfc. Raymond “Mike” Clausen Jr. shakes hands with President Richard M. Nixon after receiving the Medal of Honor at the White House, June 15, 1971. Clausen earned the Medal of Honor for actions he took to rescue several Marines from a minefield in Vietnam.

Episode 2699 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Vet Raymond Michael Clausen Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. The featured story comes from The U.S. Department of Defense website and was titled: Medal of Honor Monday: Marine Corps Pfc. Ray “Mike” Clausen Jr. It was submitted by Katie Lange, a writer for DOD News.

Lange reported that Clausen, who went by Mike, was born on Oct. 14, 1947, in New Orleans to parents Ray Sr. and Mary Louise. He had a sister and three brothers, two of whom also served in the Marines.

After first grade, Clausen’s family moved to Hammond, Louisiana, where he attended a Catholic primary school and was an altar boy at his church. Eventually, he switched to public school, graduating from Hammond High School in 1965. That fall, he started classes at nearby Southeastern Louisiana University, but after reading daily about all that was happening in Vietnam, he decided he needed to be part of the war effort.

Clausen enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in March 1966. By May of that year, he was discharged so he could join the regular Marines. After attending aviation school, Clausen was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a jet helicopter mechanic with Marine Aircraft Group 16 of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

Mike Clausen wasn’t exactly known for acquiescing to authority during his time in Vietnam, and that lack of obedience helped save more than a dozen Marines who got trapped in a minefield in 1970. Clausen’s fearless actions during that mission earned him the Medal of Honor.

Mike Clausen is another tremendous representative of the Vietnam Veteran Generation – one as great as any that ever heeded the call of duty from our country.

Listen to episode 2699 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet Raymond Michael Clausen Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Roger Donlon (1934–2024), first Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient

Episode 2698 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the passing of Roger Donlon, the first Vietnam Veteran to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in the Vietnam War. The featured story comes from Legacy.com and was titled: Roger Donlon (1934–2024), first Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient. It was submitted by Linnea Crowther.

Roger Donlon was the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. He passed away on January 25, 2024 at Leavenworth, Kansas.

Donlon was born in Saugerties, New York, the eighth child of ten. He attended the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University for a year. He joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and was admitted to West Point in 1955, but resigned for personal reasons. He re-enlisted, this time in the United States Army, in 1958, went to Officer Candidate School, and served as a general’s aide. In August 1963 he joined the Special Forces. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1967.

A portion of his CMoH citation reads as follows: 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. 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

Listen to episode 2698 and discover more about the passing of Roger Donlon, the first Vietnam Veteran to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in the Vietnam War.

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Tim Freeman received the prestigious ‘Honorary Life Membership’ award from the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Episode 2697 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Tim Freeman, a county commissioner in Douglas County, Oregon, who was awarded the prestigious VVA Honorary Life Membership. The featured story comes from The Brandon Western World Dunes News and was titled: Freeman honored with award from Vietnam Veterans of America.

The story reported that Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman was awarded the prestigious ‘Honorary Life Membership’ award from the Vietnam Veterans of America. The award was presented to Freeman by Umpqua Valley’s VVA Chapter #805.  The “Honorary Life Membership” award from the VVA is a prestigious honor only awarded to a select number of individuals each year who dedicate their lives to help and serve veterans but would not otherwise be eligible to obtain a VVA membership.

Tim Freeman’s  resume included the following: his work with the dedication of the VA Cemetery in 2004, the campaign to restore the VA Hospital to full services, the placement of a Veterans home in Roseburg, being designated and accepting the flag on behalf of the families at the funeral for the cremains of WWII veterans that were found left on a shelf, helping to get the question on the ballet asking citizens about restoration of the Roseburg VA Hospital to full service, ensuring that the Douglas County Veterans Office is fully funded, overseeing the County’s War Memorial, attending all Quarterly VA Cemetery remembrance services, helping provide grants to local veteran organizations, his work on the recent Oregon mortuary bill and countless other projects.

Freeman has served our community in several roles over the years including Roseburg City Councilman; State Representative in the Oregon Legislature; Board President for the Association of O&C Counties; Western Interstate Region Representative for the Association of Oregon Counties and the National Association of Counties; State of Oregon Criminal Justice Commission and as one of our Douglas County Commissioners since 2015. He also serves as the Liaison Commissioner for the Douglas County Veteran Services Office.

Listen to episode 2697 and discover more about Tim Freeman, a county commissioner in Douglas County, Oregon, who was awarded the prestigious VVA Honorary Life Membership.

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Peter Maybay, left, and Jeanne Wickson, relatives of Michael Blanchette, listen to presentations made during the second annual Medal of Liberty/Medal of Fidelity ceremony on Nov. 9 at the Marlborough Senior Center. Michael Blanchette was killed in Vietnam in 1970; his portrait is on the table.

On Nov. 9, the city held the second annual Medal of Liberty/Medal of Fidelity for those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Episode 2696 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how the good people of Marlborough, Massachusetts are honoring the memory of their fallen veterans. The featured story comes from the Fifty Plus Advocate and was titled: Marlborough honors fallen veterans with Medal of Liberty. It was submitted by contributing writer Maureen Sullivan.

It was reported in Sullivan’s story that on Nov. 9, 2023 at the Marlborough Senior Center, relatives of those who sacrificed their lives while in service to their country were awarded the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty.

The Massachusetts Medal of Liberty is open to all branches of service and is awarded in the name of the Governor of Massachusetts as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth to any Massachusetts serviceman or woman killed in action or who died as a result of wounds received in action.

The Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity – presented to the next of kin of those who died as a result of illness or disease in connection with their service – was given in honor of William Borowski at the event.

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, a Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity to be presented to the Next of Kin of service members or veterans from the Commonwealth who died as the result of a medical condition caused by combat action.

Some Examples of Eligibility for the Medal of Fidelity are deaths caused by:

1. Agent Orange
2. Blue Water Exposure
3. Burn Pit Exposure
4. Exposure to any Chemical, Biological, Radiological Agent or Pollutant
5. Oil Fire Exposure
6. 9/11 Ground Zero Recovery
7. Radiation Producing Equipment
8. Asbestos Exposure
9. Combat Related Mental Illness (PTSD)

The ceremony was sponsored by the Marlborough Historical Society, with support from the mayor’s office and the Department of Veterans Services.

Listen to episode 2696 and discover more about how the good people of Marlborough, Massachusetts are honoring the memory of their fallen veterans.

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Deb Ahmann prepared her notes at the start of a talk at the Lyon County Museum on Saturday. Ahmann shared the story of her brother Tom Bradley, from his life growing up in Minneota until after his death during the Vietnam War in 1969.

Episode 2695 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Gold Star Family member Deb Ahmann is making sure the memory of her fallen brother Tom Bradley is not forgotten. The featured story appeared in The Independent of Marshall, Minnesota and was titled: Telling her brother’s story – Ahmann shares experiences of a local Gold Star family during the Vietnam War. It was submitted by Deb Gau, staff writer for the Independent.                                           [dgau@marshallindependent.com]

In 1968, Vietnam Veteran Tom Bradley was killed in Vietnam. His sister and Gold Star Family member, Deb Ahmann has dedicated her life to making sure her brother is never forgotten.

Ahmann recently spoke about the experiences of a Gold Star family on Saturday, January 20, 2025 at the Lyon County Museum. The event was one of a few different talks the Lyon County Historical Society has held, sharing the stories of service members and other area residents affected by the Vietnam War.

In her speech, Ahmann described her family and how their lives were changed the day they received word her brother Tom died in Vietnam. In her story Gau, reported that Bill Palmer, a board member of the Lyon County Historical Society said “The war in Vietnam touched many, many more in our communities beyond the hundreds of Lyon County residents who served in that war,” said . They included Gold Star families – those who had lost loved ones who were serving in the war.”

Ahmann said she also hoped people could remember Tom as a person, and not a casualty of war. She closed the talk with stories about Tom when he was growing up, as a way to celebrate his life.

“I’m hoping maybe there’s something in there that, instead of this being sad, it’s that he was a real person and he touched our lives deeply,” she said.

Listen to episode 2695 and discover more about how Gold Star Family member Deb Ahmann is making sure the memory of her fallen brother Tom Bradley is not forgotten.

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A US Air Force Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker refuels four Republic F-105D Thunderchiefs over Southeast Asia, in November 1967.

Episode 2694 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the KC-135 crew who broke the rules and saved two F-105s over North Vietnam. The featured story comes from The Aviation Geek Club and is titled: That time a KC-135 Stratotanker crew crossed Vietnam DMZ and went into a dive to refuel a flamed out F-105 Thunderchief. It was submitted by Dario Leone.

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

In this story, Leone through a story told by Richard Crandall a former USAF F-111 and F-15E Pilot in the U.S. Air Force (1980–1998) shares the hair raising story of how a KC-135 broke the rules and saved two F-105s over North Vietnam.

According to the story, two F-105 fighters were on a mission to save a downed US pilot in North Vietnam. When both aircraft were running low on fuel, the section leader, Jack Broughton, and his wingman Ken Bell, called out for help from the nearest KC-135. Broughton and Bell were in danger of running out of fuel over North Vietnam and did not want to end up in the Hanoi Hilton.

It seems at the time, SAC rules prohibited KC-135s flying north of the DMZ but the KC-135 crew decided to break the rule and go help the F-105 pilots. They succeeded after utilizing some seemingly impossible maneuvers.

Crandall concluded his story with this:

“I am sure that the entire tanker crew was hospitalized due to massive alcohol poisoning from the drinks they were given at the bar that night. Every fighter pilot who hear of this story has tremendous respect for all involved in this incident. Truly awesome aviation on everybody’s part.”

Listen to episode 2694 and discover more about the KC-135 crew who broke the rules and saved two F-105s over North Vietnam.

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In this photo from the 2023 Soldiers Reunion in Newton, Vietnam veteran Jacob Shronce mans the Disabled American Veterans Post 34 booth.
[ROBERT C. REED, RECORD]

Episode 2693 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Jacob Shronce and his thoughts on service to country, his adventures in Vietnam, PTSD and advice to veterans and civilians. The featured story appeared in the Hickory Daily Record and was titled: Vietnam veteran from Catawba County talks scars of war, need for appreciation. It was submitted by Miya Banks.

Jacob Shronce of Catawba County, North Carolina is another tremendous representative of the Vietnam Veteran Generation – one as great as any that ever heeded the call of duty from our country. He served his country in Vietnam in one of the most dangerous jobs in country. He was a truck driver on Highway 19 from Qui Nhon to Pleiku. When he came home he continued serving his country well in several veterans organizations including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), American Legion and others.

In her story Banks reported that Jacob Shronce was raised on a farm. He were always working. He said Kids today complain about getting up at 7 o’clock to go to school. I was up at 5:30 every morning and I had to go milk the cow before I went to school. Then we came in and had breakfast, and then I went to school. When we came back home I had to fill up all the wood boxes. We had wood heat and a wood cook stove. I had to feed the chickens and the cows and the pigs. We also worked in the fields. We picked and shucked corn. We picked cotton. We baled the hay. Something was going on all the time.

Shronce offers this advice to his fellow veterans, get involved. Join Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), American Legion and others. Get involved and get counted. If these guys don’t get involved, Congress is going to start chipping away until they don’t have anything left.

Listen to episode 2693 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Jacob Shronce and his thoughts on service to country, his adventures in Vietnam, PTSD and advice to veterans and civilians.

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19-year-old Dave Buhr stands behind boxes of human blood at the blood bank at the 36th Evacuation Hospital in Vung Tau in Vietnam in 1967.

Episode 2692 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Dave Buhr and the photo exhibit he donated the U.S. Army Medical Museum in San Antonio. The story appeared in the VFW Magazine and was titled: VFW Member Donates Photography Collection -An Army museum in San Antonio now displays a photo exhibit that details a Vietnam War veteran’s tour in 1967. It was submitted by Madeline Mapes, a freelance writer based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dave Buhr is another tremendous representative of the Vietnam Veteran Generation – one as great as any that ever heeded the call of duty from our country. His mode of greatness was photography.

According to Madeline’s story, When Dave Buhr was serving in Vietnam in 1967 with the 36th Evacuation Hospital in Vung Tau, he found a new hobby in photography.

One of Buhr’s battle buddies brought his 35-millimeter camera with him to Vietnam. Buhr played around with the camera and soon purchased his own Yashica 35-millimeter twin lens reflex camera. He used it to capture his perceptions of Vietnam while serving as a medic.

The images Buhr captured were eventually used to show people all over the Midwest what the Vietnam War really meant to Buhr and others who sacrificed their time, strength and lives in support of the Vietnam War.

Buhr said “I had two or three themes I really wanted to portray to the people that came to the museum shows.”

Buhr said he believes his photos categorize the people of Vietnam, the physical effects of war on troops as well as the beauty of the country.

“I hope more and more veterans realize that we did make a difference.” Buhr said. “There also was a lot of good that occurred over there.”

Listen to episode 2692 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Dave Buhr and the photo exhibit he donated the U.S. Army Medical Museum in San Antonio.