On July 6, 1964, 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,
despite serious wounds,
directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of
mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire.
Donlon was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 5, 1964 ... making him the first recipient of the Medal during the Vietnam War.
