Pollard invites the public to “welcome this American hero”

ALTAMONT — Roger H. C. Donlon was the first American soldier in the Vietnam War to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.

Forty-four years later, he’ll be at the Home Front Café on the village’s Main Street to be honored in a quieter way.

Cindy Pollard, proprietor of the restaurant, has decorated the dining area to resemble her mother’s World War II-era kitchen. She frequently hosts veterans of the second world war, who share their stories with students.

This is the first time she has hosted a veteran from Vietnam.

“He’s a remarkable man,” said Pollard. “Twenty years after he lost so many of his men, he went back to Vietnam to build a memorial.”

As the commander of a detachment in the Army’s Special Forces, Captain Donlon and his 12-man team on July 6, 1964 defended a small American outpost at Camp Nam Dong in Vietnam.

Donlon has written a book, Beyond Nam Dong, which William Westmoreland, the retired Army general, has called an “inspiring story of a courageous soldier and patriot.”

Donlon will be at the Home Front Café on Wednesday, May 28, from noon to 2 p.m. “He’s on his way to West Point,” said Pollard, “to hand out honors for the Medal of Honor Society.”

He will sign his book, and visit with students from Christian Brothers Academy and members of the community.

“He is fostering relationships between American and Vietnamese students...His story is wonderful,” said Pollard. “I want as many people as possible to come and welcome this American hero.”

— Melissa Hale-Spencer