This auction is for the following autographed Colonel Roger Donlon (Deceased) Vietnam Special Forces Medal of Honor that has been matted with an unsigned in-uniform 5x7 inch photograph and the mat measures 8x10 inches.

BIO: Colonel Roger Donlon Vietnam Special Forces 7th Special Forces Group, Battle of Nam Dong, 1st veteran to receive Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War. Later published two books about his experiences during the Vietnam War titled Outpost of Freedom and Beyond Nam Dong. It is awarded: for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force. Since it was first awarded during the Civil War, the medal has only been awarded 3,493 times.

If you are not familiar with Colonel Roger Donlon accomplishments during Vietnam please read his CMOH Citation:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain Roger Hugh Charles Donlon, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 6 July 1964, while defending a U.S. military installation against a fierce attack by hostile forces. Captain 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 five hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, Captain Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire. Upon the initial onslaught, he swiftly marshaled his forces and ordered the removal of the needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed through a hail of small arms and exploding hand grenades to abort a breach of the main gate. En route to this position he detected an enemy demolition team of three in the proximity of the main gate and quickly annihilated them. Although exposed to the intense grenade attack, he then succeeded in reaching a 60-mm. mortar position despite sustaining a severe stomach wound as he was within five yards of the gun pit. When he discovered that most of the men in this gunpit were also wounded, he completely disregarded his own injury, directed their withdrawal to a location 30 meters away, and again risked his life by remaining behind and covering the movement with the utmost effectiveness. Noticing that his team sergeant was unable to evacuate the gun pit he crawled toward him and, while dragging the fallen soldier out of the gunpit, an enemy mortar exploded and inflicted a wound in Captain Donlon's left shoulder. Although suffering from multiple wounds, he carried the abandoned 60-mm. mortar weapon to a new location 30 meters away where he found three wounded defenders. After administering first aid and encouragement to these men, he left the weapon with them, headed toward another position, and retrieved a 57-mm. recoilless rifle. Then with great courage and coolness under fire, he returned to the abandoned gun pit, evacuated ammunition for the two weapons, and while crawling and dragging the urgently needed ammunition, received a third wound on his leg by an enemy hand grenade. Despite his critical physical condition, he again crawled 175 meters to an 81-mm. mortar position and directed firing operations which protected the seriously threatened east sector of the camp. He then moved to an eastern 60-mm. mortar position and upon determining that the vicious enemy assault had weakened, crawled back to the gun pit with the 60-mm. mortar, set it up for defensive operations, and turned it over to two defenders with minor wounds. Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from position to position around the beleaguered perimeter while hurling hand grenades at the enemy and inspiring his men to superhuman effort. As he bravely continued to move around the perimeter, a mortar shell exploded, wounding him in the face and body. As the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the enemy forces and their retreat back to the jungle leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades, Captain Donlon immediately reorganized his defenses and administered first aid to the wounded. His dynamic leadership, fortitude, and valiant efforts inspired not only the American personnel but the friendly Vietnamese defenders as well and resulted in the successful defense of the camp. Captain Donlon's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED CUT that was been matted with an unsigned in uniform 5x7 inch photograph perfect for framing. The black mat measures 8x10 inches. This is one of the last remaining autographs that I have available of him. I am close to being permanently sold out do not miss out on your chance to add this remarkable collectable to your collection. PLEASE NOTE this photograph was printed posted war. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you get the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same item that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. I combine S&H when multiple items are purchased. I ship items internationally the price for international S&H varies by country. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.