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Navy Pilot Escapes Laos POW Camp

Jenny Ashcraft1267 mins

On July 20, 1966, US Navy pilot Dieter Dengler was rescued after escaping a POW camp in Laos, where he endured months of torture and deprivation after his plane was shot down near the North Vietnam-Laos border during the Vietnam War. He became only the second captured airman to escape during the war.

Dengler was born in 1938 in Wildberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. His father was drafted into the German Army in 1939 and killed during WWII. Dengler’s mother was left impoverished and struggled to feed her children. The family foraged for scraps and boiled wallpaper to scrape the wheat paste off the back for nutrients. During the war, a bomber flew through Wildberg, and young Dieter saw an airplane for the first time. He determined at that moment that his dream was to fly. This dream kept Dengler going for years while working as an apprentice for an abusive blacksmith who beat him regularly. Dengler later claimed it helped him learn survival skills he would need later in life. When the apprenticeship finally ended at age 18, Dengler left Germany for America – hoping to become a pilot.

After arriving in the United States, Dengler joined the Air Force. He soon realized that joining the Air Force didn’t mean he automatically got to fly. He peeled potatoes and worked as a mechanic but realized that he needed to attend college if he wanted to achieve his dream. He became a citizen, received an education, studied aeronautics, and got accepted into the US Navy Aviation Cadet Training Program.  

Dengler headed to Vietnam as a Navy pilot when the Vietnam War broke out. In February 1966, he was on a mission when his plane was shot down over Laos. He survived the crash but was captured by the Pathet Lao. Over the next six months, Dengler endured horrific torture as his captors tried to get him to sign statements condemning US actions in Vietnam. They drove large bamboo slivers underneath his fingernails and skin where they festered; they hung him upside down over a nest of biting ants and nearly drowned him when they suspended him in a well.  

Dieter Dengler with his squadron from VA-145 following his rescue

Dengler began studying the guards’ movements and, with fellow prisoners, began planning an escape. On June 29, 1966, while the guards were eating, Dengler and six other prisoners made their move. They seized guns and killed five guards in a shootout. Knowing that reinforcements would soon arrive, they ran for the jungle. Dengler was with Capt. Duane W. Martin, an American Air Force officer. The other prisoners disappeared into the jungle, and he never saw them again. Together, Dengler and Martin trekked barefoot while being pursued. They eventually made their way to a river and built a raft. When they became too weak from hunger to walk, they crawled. One day, they came upon some villagers. The villagers were hostile and came at them with a machete. In the blink of an eye, one villager beheaded Martin. During the ensuing screams and chaos, Dengler darted into the jungle. Now alone, Dengler continued his trek.

Dieter Dengler and Eugene Deatrick

On July 20, 1966, Air Force Lt. Col. Eugene Deatrick was flying up a canyon in Laos when he noticed a man near the river waving wildly. Dietrick passed over two more times. There were no reports of recently downed Americans, and Dietrick was nervous that this might be an enemy soldier attempting a suicide attack. A gut feeling told him to call for help. A helicopter arrived and lowered a cable, which Dengler grasped. The crew raised him up but quickly slammed Dengler to the floor and strip-searched him, looking for explosives. They soon realized that Dengler was a missing American.

After his rescue, Dengler weighed just 85 pounds. He was welcomed back and awarded several military decorations, including the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal. Dengler retired from the Armed Forces and became a test pilot. Dengler died in 2001 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Search Fold3® today to discover more stories of heroism and valor.

126 thoughts on “Navy Pilot Escapes Laos POW Camp”

  1. What an extreme effort and dedication to his chosen nation. Incredible fortitude… and we have men like this serving our country in the military still.

    1. Dengler himself wrote of his experience in a book titled “Escape From Laos”.

  3. I believe you have the party working. The democrats are hoping to make us a socialist country and destroy us fro within.

  5. To the Americans that feel this is the appropriate forum for political statements; shame on you. Dieter Dengler endured the consequences from two horrific wars. Our soldiers deserve our respect for placing themselves into our service. Any American that makes the choice for service of any type, (waiter, EMT, soldier) deserve respect for a mostly thankless career decision that places humanity above self.

    2. I’m confused. What is your point?This story is about a true American hero that chose the “land of the free” as his own and almost gave his life trying to give others the same life. The shame is yours. I gather you are not a U.S. citizen.

    3. I say to any who served, “you paid for your right to an opinion!” Anyone not liking it, can move along. I don’t personally come into any forum without carrying my full rights as a citizen WITH ME. That includes my right to FREE SPEECH. If you can’t tolerate my right to free speech, it is YOU who are in the wrong place.
      For those who served, rant away, I might not agree, but I served for your rights as well.
      Fair Winds and Following Seas!

    4. This is the perfect place. Shame on detractors who hate the military and our country.

    6. I’m also a bit confused by your comment Alaina. What political comments? I just read an incredible true story and a couple of people praising the man and others who serve. Not political in my mind.

    8. What the do you know about the pain and suffering that our young lads have endured while in the defence of our country!!!! You come across as someone from “HYP”[Harvard, Yale, Princeton],
      Semper fi, a grunt who ushered in his 1950 Christmas in a far off land and Chosin Reservoir, Dec. 1950 and -55 degrees below zero.
      Tom Amico

    9. It should really be any soldier that does this regardless of his nation. That is the political part of this that everyone says to leave out. The country doesn’t matter. You may not agree with the other countries motives like Dieter’s father. This is why I never talk country , just the soldier.

    12. Corpsman, to police officer, to paramedic,,,, done all three. While the latter two can be tough, they were nothing like the first. And the first was literally nothing compared to Denglers plight, battle, and triumph.

    14. Not the place to make political statements…
      You lack the self-awareness to understand you just did.

  6. This is an amazing story of this man’s courage and bravery during the Vietnam war. Let’s not ruin the moment with petty political comments that have nothing to do with him and his story.

    3. Who has said ANYTHING political??? I see a lot of free speech happening, IS THAT POLITICAL?

    4. It should really be any soldier that does this regardless of his nation. That is the political part of this that everyone says to leave out. The country doesn’t matter. You may not agree with the other countries motives like Dieter’s father. This is why I never talk country , just the soldier.

  7. A truly amazing story of heroism and courage! RIP Dieter Dengler and God bless you sir.

  8. The returning POWs went through hell and remained true to our country’s beliefs. We should be so very proud of them. So sad that there is someone that avoided the draft that prefers people that were not captured. As we celebrate this 4th of July let’s make a special prayer for all POWs, those that came home and those who did not.

    1. I wholeheartedly agree. Some of us need badly to serve. This kid had to grow up during my time. Mostly, I was awe during my service in the Navy.

    2. So sad you need to talk politics in a story about one of our brave soldiers!

    4. James,

      I realize it’s difficult for progressive alimentary canal openings like yourself, but try not to reveal your low IQ. Not that you’d know this, but the left has been promulgating and propagating lies about PDJT since he announced he was running in 2015. And not that you’d know this or acknowledge this fact, but PDJT was the only one who came through with funding for the Vietnam Veterans march across the Brooklyn Bridge during the 1980’s when this was a hot button topic. PDJT successfully funded and ran the Vietnam Veterans march in NYC.

    5. There’s the politics. I served in the military as well. We have a right to vote for the person we believe is best suited for the job. As we say, if you can do a better job, run for office, and stop complaining.

  9. BLESSINGS TO THE FAMILY OF DIETER DENGLER…OUR “LAND OF THE FREE, IS BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE,” WE’RE SO HONORED THAT OUR VETERANS HAVE PROTECTED OUR FREEDOM, AND CONTINUE TO DO SO, GOD BLESS THEM, AND THEIR FAMILIES

  10. Thank you, Dieter Dengler, for your heroic service to the United States, your adopted country. We are honored to have had you and so many others fighting in service to our country.

  11. Thanks for your service and courage Dieter !!!! Love hearing your story !

    Got to say why put politics in this beautiful story?

    1. Who has said ANYTHING political? From the Vets here, I see a lot of free speech. Why don’t you fill in the blanks about what offends you. Then we won’t have to guess.
      VETS have paid a steep price for their free speech AND YOURS.

  12. Thank you, Deter, for service to our country, for fighting for your life and living to serve this proud country that can be so proud of you….thank you for being an example of stamina and valor and leaving a heroic story of endurance, involving conquering amazing difficulties none of us would like to dream of —and living out a life of significance and and strength that you were meant to live. Thank you for reminding us what true valor is -not self- or glory seeking, but staying and fighting challenges and living in humility while conquering life’s setbacks, however awful and awesome, and doing what you were meant to do – face and live to see another day…….many, well-deserved days.

  13. Dieter and I were good friends we were both in VietNam, but he was a POW. Later we traveled together down the Grand Canyon he was truly an amazing friend and a hero .

  14. incredible story. Thanks for sharing it.
    My dad died in Vietnam in 1965.

  15. A terrific story that I never heard before. Does anyone know if Dieter had a family in the USA? God bless him and all the men and women that have and are still serving in our military.

    1. I don’t believe that you know much about McCain. Had his dad not been an admiral, he would have been court martialed and tossed out of the military for his actions while a POW.

  17. Thank you, Dieter. Your heroism is second to none. You went above and beyond out of necessity your entire life. Thank you for becoming an American and staying the course. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

  18. I was 6 years old in 1946 sitting on my grandmother’s porch in Hungary watching the Russian plains flying back towards Russia. They were flying very low and I thought they were going to hit our neighbor’s chimney. I was also dreaming of becoming a pilot. The Russian pilots were also shooting in the ground scaring the kids playing.
    When I was 14 I started gliding and dreaming of escaping from Hungary. I achieved that when I turned 16 by foot escaping to Austria. Unlike our brave hero Dieter, I never achieved my dream.
    Dieter’s story has almost brought me to tears.
    What a fantastic brave soldier. I wish someone who knew Dieter would write a book about his life. FV

    1. There is a documentary “ Little Dieter Needs to Fly
      Not Rated 1997 ‧ Documentary/War ‧ 1h 20m”.

  19. There is a book called escape from Laos and a movie called Run Dieter run

    1. Thank you for your part in fleshing out this story. We need more men to come forward with their stories and the price they paid. Blessings.

    2. Unfortunately, Dengler received much criticism from some members of the military for what they called “deserting” Lt Martin when attacked by the Laotian villagers. What else could/should he have done being in the physical state that he and Martin were in? Should he have stood by Martin and been killed (beheaded), or slip into the jungle to try and survive? This is the controversy. Sadly, as far as I know, Lt Martin’s remains have never been found. Presumed to have been buried in a shallow grave on the bank of the river, they probably were washed away from flooding over the years. I visited the site in 1995 while supporting the JTF-FA mission to recover his remains, but no positive findings. I believe the case file was closed after that mission. I am sure Mr Dresden has much insight into this controversy and how it affected Dengler.

  20. Thank you, Bram Dresden for your service and the additional information. God bless you!

  22. What an amazing story of one our great military heroes. Thank you for sharing thos story.

  24. An amazing hero who immigrated to the U.S.A and served a nation honorabley. He endured hardships as a child and endured incomprehensible hardship serving his country as a POW. This is a true example of a believer in his adopted nation he proudly served. Semper Fidelis

    1. He is an example of what is right with America and Americans. He embraced this country unlike those twerps in college who are blindly following terrorist-tied organizations who are in America just to stir up trouble and have no love for our country. Shame on all who took part in the chaos on college campuses and who know nothing about the history of Israel or the Jewish people and just believe all the lies Hamas put out and the journalists took up willingly. Even when they found it was lies, they never told us in big headlines but let people continue believing the lies printed.

  26. Please also remember Eugene DeBruin who was one of those who attempted escape with dengler. Reports are that He chose to stay with one of the other escapees who was too ill to move. Little is known about his time or place of his death. The movie ,Rescue Dawn, portrayed him terribly. The other man who escaped and Dengler also agreed the movie did not portray him accurately. That was disgraceful.

  27. If I am not mistaken, they ( Hollywood) made a movie about his capture, and escape,
    He to me, he was a great Hero, He had, the heart & strength to escape, and survive
    And for that low life piece of SH..,LTc Richard H Reed MD FACS, USAMC ( MC stands for medical corp, and USAMC, stands for United States Army medical Corp) You peker wood, would not have the courage or brains to do what he went through, and did.

    1. Guido Sarducci. Wasn’t that the name of the guy in Saturday Night Live? Is that your real name? Please, let’s also not be crass. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. That’s what these guys fought for, right? My grandfather used to say that he might not agree with someone’s opinions but he would (and did) fight for his right to speak them.

  29. Read the book “Hero Found.” A friend of mine who was shot in Vietnam but survived recommended it and after reading it, I had to tell him “you knew it would make me cry.”

  30. Richard H Reed MD FACS, if you truly exist, As You Are branch of the army initials are incorrect. However, I’m a volunteer with people who are writing stories about those people we lost in World War ii, both MIA and KIA. If you’re dead even a little bit of research on these Heroes, you would never mock their bravery. I am actually cluttered with vile words with which to address you but you are no longer worth the time. I see you weren’t brave enough to explain your ridiculous position.

    1. Ugh, I use voice to text too often and sometimes forget to reread. The branch of service that you said you belong to does not exist. I suggest you do some reading on this venue to Enlighten yourself on an undeniable Allegiance to our country and they Brave people that gave up their lives.

  31. What a hero, an amazing act of bravery. So much lost and so much gained. Thank you for becoming an American citizen and thank you for your service to our country, Dengler. You may be gone but will never be forgotten.

  32. A book was written about him called “Hero Found”. Great read. Sorry how his life ended though.

  33. A true hero! Shame on those who call our service men and women “suckers and losers”.

  35. My husband, Terry Schmidt, was an Aviation Structural Mechanic, 3rd class. He was Dengler’s plane captain. After he lost his pilot and plane (Dengler) he was assigned to the Airframes Shop. He was frequently sent with a team to DaNang in a COD aircraft to fix damaged planes to get them back to the aircraft carrier, or strip them of useful stuff so the VietCong wouldn’t be able to abscond with the parts. VA-145! He always respected Dieter and was quite upset over the situation. It was a long time before he knew he was alive.

    …and the ending of the movie, Resue Dawn, he told me it did happen. He was there!

  36. He did his sworn duty by trying to escape and was successful under tremendous odds. For the record, my spouse’s uncle, CDR Jack Graf, USN, KIA, a Naval Intelligence Officer, was shot down with Captain Robert White, USA.tortured by the Viet Cong, escaped, and was shot and killed while crossing a river. His remains have never been recovered. Graf also holds the distinction of being the only Naval person shot down twice in Nam.

  37. It makes me sad to think people would offer an opinion on whether Dieter Dengler was a hero after knowing what he went through as a POW during the Viet Nam war, the suffering and abuse he endured while held captive. I was born in 1957 and while I did not serve, the small town I grew up in had one young man who never made it home and I had a cousin who was a casualty as a member of the infantry. To question one man’s heroism is not a topic which bears discussion; we have no right to decide nor make a comment regarding his status. Look at the statistics of how many downed airmen survived crashing, let alone the survival rate after the hell they endured as prisoners of war. Think about that the next time one of your favorite sports players is deemed “hero” for making that field goal as time expires. Gratefully, Dieter Dengler’s time did not expire and with integrity, a strong will and the need to survive he made it home to live out a meaningful life.

    1. Yes, I agree with you. Sports dudes are not heroes they are players who excel at what they do – but to a child (he/she) the player is a hero representative. I get it. Those young fellas that died during my tour and I didn’t know them personally, are a hero like memory to me

    2. 8,000 aviators died in the Viet Nam war. The Ken Burns PBS “history” almost entirely omitted aviation from the narrative and utterly failed to tell the most critical truth about the war, that the idiots in DC lost it while sending the bravest on suicide missions. John McCain was shown incoherent on a gurney and then released but never got to say a word. Later Brian Lamb on C-Span interviewed McCain about his last book (Lamb also a Navy vet) and McCain got to speak: “When I got shot down I was bombing a pile of rubble that had been bombed 12 times already. Right next to it was a bridge carrying truck full of war materiel going south–but the Powers That Be said we couldn’t touch it”. There is the truth of war in one bite. The controvery over McCain while a POW is ongoing and related to ANOTHER untold story regarding the war: MIAs, he went along with holding back documents that would have resolved it. Sid Schanberg the real-life reporter from “The Killing Fields” film said to the end that evidence was withheld; probably because about 300 POWs still held by the communists were executed. You can look up the case of Robert Garwood who deserted his unit and when released after the others stated that there were POWs held back and unaccounted for.

  38. No way I could ever forget Dengler’s name. To ensure that they are not lured into a trap, rescuers would challenge the guy on the ground with a question that he himself had provided when he first started flying in theater. If he responds with the answer he had also provided, the rescuers knew that the guy on the ground was likely genuine and go in to pull him out. At least that’s how it was in 72&73 flying out of Udorn. My challenge was, Who’s your hero. My response, Dieter Dengler. The guy was an inspiration to all of us who could see ourselves potentially in his shoes.

  39. Another of the many stories of men and women who were immigrants to our country who went above and beyond serving their adopted country. I am immensely proud to have immigrant ancestors who served in our services from as far back as the civil war to
    As recently as Korea. Our immigrant heritage makes us immensely strong. Thank you Dieter.

  40. For those in this thread who are negatively reacting to one person’s statement where he was casting aspersions on an unnamed person who he described as “a piece of SHXX”, it’s my reading of his posting that indicates his comments WERE NOT focused towards Dieter, rather towards an unnamed & cowardly fellow who never served in the military at all. If you go back and read that comment again? You can (easily I’m convinced) see he wasn’t talking about Dieter.

  41. May all the men and women around the world who sacrificed, suffered and died defending their homelands, be honored in this life and the next.

  43. Werner Herzog made a film with/about him in 1997, called “Little Dieter Needs to Fly”. A good watch.

  45. I am so sorry that he died so young – another victim of the Vietnam war – just absolutely mind boggling. The majority of us who were low ranking airmen marines, soldiers and sailers did not have a clue why we were there in that time – I did not suffer what this man in the story faced – I am now 84, still proud of my service and still sad about this f-ing war that I lived in

    1. You sir have the right to comment about the war, you lived through it. God Bless you

    2. It was about having the CIA and the US Army guard the poppy fields of Vietnam, in order to gain control of the flourishing drug trafficking throughout the USA. Unfortunately. Under the guise of preventing Communism from spreading from North Vietnam to the South. A lie that resulted in the death of many American men. A tragedy. Thank you for your service Henry.

  46. Let’s not forget Duane Martin, thank you for your service being killed in a country so ripe with malice. I am truly grateful for all the freedoms I have in the USA. Our military, law enforcement and any first responders deserve our respect and support. Thank you.
    Remember the silver bracelets with POW or MIA soldiers names on them during the Vietnam war? Remember all those soldiers. I am so grateful

    1. Well said and thank you for commenting. I did wear, and still have one of those silver bracelets. All who serve now, and in the past, deserve our respect, support and thank yous. Military, law enforcement, first responders, etc…

  47. I met him at the planes of fame museum I believe in Dec. 1979. I was introduced to him . he was a humble non assuming person it was later that I read his book and I was truly impressed. I wonder if his sons served?

  48. What an amazing story of survival from a young child to a man. He had COURAGE that we all admire. May he be resting in the loving arms of our Lord.

  49. SOME CAME HOME

    THEIR EYES WERE CLEAR THEIR LIMBS UNBENT

    THOSE BRAVE YOUNG MEN OUR NATION SENT

    TO WAGE A WAR ACROSS THE SEA

    IN A LAND UNKNOWN TO YOU AND ME

    SOME CAME HOME THEIR BATTLE DONE

    A CROSS REFLECTS THEIR MORNING SUN

    THE BOMBS AND BULLETS TOOK THEIR TOLL

    AND ADDED NAMES TO THE HONORED ROLL

    SOME CAME HOME WITH FRACTURED MIND

    NEVER TO LEAVE THEIR WAR BEHIND

    THEY WAKE IN BUNKERS LATE AT NIGHT

    BATTLE-LOCKED IN NIGHTMARE FIGHT

    SOME CAME HOME TO KIDS AND WIFE

    WITH HOPES TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE

    ALREADY DEAD BUT YET TO DIE

    FROM NOXIOUS POISON IN THE SKY

    SOME CAME HOME BATTLE TORN

    TO STAND AND FACE A NATIONS SCORN

    VILIFIED FOR WHAT HE DID

    THIS PATRIOTIC TEEN-AGED KID

    YOU SEE THEM ON THE STREETS TODAY

    NO PLACE TO GO NO PLACE TO STAY

    THEIR DUTY DONE WITH ANSWERED CALL

    ALL GAVE SOME, BUT SOME GAVE ALL

    This poem was written by my husband Franklin Ryle, USMCR honoring friends who served in Viet Nam

    1. What verse, Franklin shared from his heart. My brother Jay “served in my place” in Viet Nam. Proud Marine, and proud American. He “stood for” this country and served all four years of his 1962 voluntary enlistment.

  50. They made a movie about him released in 2006, Rescue Dawn starring Christian Bale.

    1. Wow. I certainly don’t agree with that. So Judi, when and where did you serve? I’m thinking of my family members who have served in recent conflicts. They would have the total respect of my family members who were in WW2, Korea and ‘Nam. Those who fought in prior wars would respect the ones who experience recent conflicts whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Somalia

  52. Be sure to look for the documentary about DD called “Little Dieter Must Fly” for more on him and his life.

  53. The story was beautifully made in the movie Rescue Dawn by famous movie director Werner Herzog, Christian Bale playing Dietrich. One of the best movies telling a true story of an American POW.

  56. The movie “Rescue Dawn” w Christian Bale is based on Dengler’s escape.

    1. I heard that also. Perhaps from Herzog’s documentary. I’ve thought for years how ironic after all he put himself through to just get to that day. He was a friend of mine at College of San Mateo in the fall of 1962. A really nice guy.

  58. Profound Brave and resourceful American!!! Many such encounters, lives lost, to satisfy the MIC need, for foreign wars and higher profits!!!

  59. Bram:

    My dad was Norm Lessard. How can my brothers and I get in touch with you? Would love to hear more about how you knew who my brothers and I called Uncle Dieter. Hope you see this and can reach out. Thanks!

  60. Such bravery and fortitude despite the horrors in his life. He died far too young.

  61. Tom Amico,
    When you were celebrating Christmas at Choisin Reservoir in 1950, my late father-in-law has a note in his flight log for Dec. 4th: “Jesse Brown, VF-32”; Landed Yondo, N.K.
    They made a movie about that 8 bird F4U-4 ITI flight: Devotion.

  63. “Unfortunately, Dengler received much criticism from some members of the military for what they called “deserting” Lt Martin when attacked by the Laotian villagers.”

    Probably from the same class of basement dwellers who criticized the 911 victims for jumping from the buildings and “committing suicide” rather than stay in the buildings and burn to death.

  64. For those of us who are Naval Aviators and followed Dieter by a few years his “story” with numerous sidebars were famous to all of us. Going through SERE (survival school) out of Warner Springs, Ca. the story of his preparedness and will to survive was riveting and inspiring for our own survival for the years to come. He was legendary to many of us. He flew SPADS, a big prop. attack aircraft, VA-145; I flew the A6 Intruder of the same squadron after it transitioned from the A1 to the A6. His is a totally inspirational story

  67. The director of Warner Herzog made a wonderful movie called “Little Dieter Needs To Fly”.
    The movie features Dieter Dengler giving one-on-one interviews as Herzog films it and then they go back to Laos and Vietnam and do some further filming. Absolutely superb movie!
    Some of my favorite scenes are describing almost in slow motion how his aircraft was hit and crashed. When gets the feeling that he was a accomplished pilot. He described seeing his dead father who pointed him in the right direction during his escape. When he was rescued and brought aboard the helicopter, the crew searched him and a snake he had been eating fell out of his underpants, and startled the crew and one of them almost fell out of the helicopter. Luckily all was well!

    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145046/

    Interestingly enough, Werner Herzog makes another movie about Dieter called “Rescue Dawn” – also extremely good and very exciting.

    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462504/

  68. I went through Naval Aviation OCS in Pensacola, FL in 1969. In a survival class, we were lectured about food aversions, i.e, eating insects. Dieter Dingler’s saga was briefly mentioned, though not by name, as a story of a POW who escaped and survived by eating insects. I didn’t learn about his story until many years later when I saw “Rescue Dawn.”

  69. What a MAN. Like my father who flew 35 missions over Japan as a tailgunner in a B-29, these are the type of heros the SICKENING Marxists running this country right now are desperately trying to exorcize from the military. They are being called “WHITE SUPREMACISTS!!!”, “RIGHTWING EXTREMISTS!!!” and being given written tests in order to back door determine their political views. The vaccine mandate was another way to remove them. America is in a very dangerous way right now and I pray to the Lord that he sees fit to save us from the pure evil desperately trying to destroy the country that HE created.

  70. If you can’t say something nice, why bother to say anything at all? Why do people feel the need to bash others or be hateful?

  71. My father and him brothers were soldiers during WWII and my brother and brother-in-law were both in the military during the Vietnam Era. I’m thankful for the men and women who serve every day to defend the freedom we have in the United States and the freedom their service offers others.
    There is not a true American Patriot who would not welcome an immigrant with the desires and determination of Pilot Dengler. Sure he came for a better life for himself. I can’t help but believe his contribution also afforded me a better life as well .

  72. The courage that our servicemen and women is unbelievable. Thank you for serving our country. Your service and spirit continues to strive in future service men and women.

  73. Such Bravery!! Those were the times that tried men’s souls for sure!! I commend u on your bravery n strength!!

  74. An amazing story of survival. He was a true hero and so were his rescuers.
    Thank you for posting.

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