The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Dieter Dengler, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism during an extremely daring escape from a Prisoner of War stockade on 30 June 1966. Playing a key role in planning, preparing for, and developing an escape and evasion operation involving several fellow prisoners and himself, Lieutenant (j.g.) Dengler, keenly aware of the hazardous nature of the escape attempt, boldly initiated the operation and contributed in large measure to its success. When an unplanned situation developed while the escape operation was being executed, he reacted with the highest degree of valor and gallantry. Through his courageous and inspiring fighting spirit, Lieutenant (j.g.) Dengler upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Dieter Dengler was born in Germany in 1938 and emigrated to the US in 1957. In 1963 he joined the Navy and was shot down and captured by the Communist Pathet Lao in 1966 over Laos while flying off the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ranger. Five months later he escaped as noted in the above citation.

His book “ESCAPE FROM LAOS” published by Presidio Press in 1979 is a must read for all Americans for it tells, in graphic detail, how it was to live in the hands of communists. A 2006 movie “Rescue Dawn” also covers his life, epic stuggle of survival while in captivity, prison escape, and his miraculous rescue.