This week Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) recognized two medal of honor recipients who currently live in Leavenworth for their bravery and service in Vietnam: Colonel Roger Hugh Charles Donlon and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Chris Hagemeister. Congresswoman Jenkins submitted the following statements honoring Colonel Donlon’s and Lieutenant Colonel Hagemeister’s heroic actions to the Congressional Record:

Honoring Colonel Roger Hugh Charles Donlon:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of Colonel Roger Hugh Charles Donlon of the United States Army. Colonel Donlon was with Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 and awarded the Medal of Honor for supreme gallantry in action on July 6, 1964, in Vietnam. While defending a U.S. military installation against an attack by hostile forces, Colonel Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage. He marshaled his forces and ordered the removal of needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed through small arms fire, detected the enemy and quickly dispatched them. Colonel Donlon sustained a severe stomach wound and disregarded his own injury for the wellbeing of his men. As daylight brought defeat to the enemy, Colonel Donlon reorganized his defenses and administered first aid to the wounded. It is for his extreme display of bravery that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Colonel Roger Hugh Charles Donlon.”

Honoring Lieutenant Colonel Charles Chris Hagemeister:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Charles Chris Hagemeister of the United States Army. Lieutenant Colonel Hagemeister was with the 1st Cavalry Division and was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in action on March 20, 1967, in Vietnam. When Lieutenant Colonel Hagemeister's platoon came under attack, he disregarded his own safety and raced through deadly fire to provide aid to two of his wounded comrades. He then crawled forward to assist and encourage the platoon leader and other soldiers. While under fire at close range, the lieutenant colonel took a rifle from a fallen soldier, killed a sniper, three advancing soldiers, and silenced an enemy machine gunner. Unable to move the wounded, he again braved enemy fire and returned with help. Lieutenant Colonel Hagemeister then continued to administer aid and help remove his wounded brothers. It is for his extraordinary bravery and selflessness that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Chris Hagemeister.” 

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Congresswoman Jenkins’ remarks honoring Lieutenant Colonel Hagemeister on the House floor