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This Page Is Dedicated To
America's REAL Hero???
They gave him the most cherished medal that the United States can give a fighting man, the Medal of Honor. They named a monumental building in the Air Force Academy after him. They recorded his exploits for every officer candidate in the academy to read and learn.
But that was nothing compared to what Lance Sijan has given to the Air Force, to America, to us all: the clearest example we can ever have of what it is and means to be a hero.
Lance Sijan was always a special kind of person. As a kid growing up in the Midwest. As a student and high-school athlete. As a cadet who made his mark in the Air Force Academy. But it took Vietnam to show how special he was... in an air war that stretched a man's skill and courage to it's limits... and in an epic of jungle survival and prison camp defiance that was Lance Sijan's ultimate testing and unforgettable triumph.
"The most vividly written story of raw heroism that I have ever read. It will make you proud to be an American". Jules Bergman, ABC News.
"The most exacting, nerve-wracking, inspiring book I've read in a long time. Marvelously written... a true monument to a man and his courage". Ernest Gann, author of The High and the Mighty.
"The finest true story, not only of Vietnam... it's message is equal to the finest epic, heroic literature of World War II, World War I and the Civil War. It is one of America's greatest examples of heroism and courage". Glen L. Nordin, Colonel USAF (ret.).
The following words are from
Captain Lance Peter Sijan's father
on the date of the award ceremony.
"I would like at this time to tell you about Lance as we, his family, knew him - our love for him, his love for us.
I think I can summarize the primary motivating factors of Lance in terms of understanding what went on in his heart and mind whenever he was faced with a situation of great danger or risk. His first thought was to get the job done - get it over with, and prepare to return home at the next available opportunity. He wanted always to come home. Home and family was the place he loved so very much. So much that he was willing to die for it.
The Vietnam conflict has never been resolved within the minds of many American's. To this day our country seeks and has needed a symbol for the true meaning of our involvement. Captain Lance Sijan is eminently qualified. For this to become a reality, his character and his valor must be common knowledge to all America. What he did has been well documented and duly recognized by our military and by our government. Why he reacted as he did is the key to understanding the future and direction this country will take in choosing people for it's roles of leadership.
What we are dealing with is not an idea but rather an ideal.
When you love something as much as Lance loved his home, it is worth fighting for. When you love something as much as Lance loved his country, it is worth fighting for. This story has to be told. When the nation knows the story, the ideal will take care of itself".
