Donn Fendler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donn Fendler
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Fendler in 1939
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| Born |
Donn Charles Fendler
August 29, 1926 Rye, New York, U.S.
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| Died | October 10, 2016 (aged 90) Bangor, Maine, U.S.
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| Known for | Lost child found in Mount Katahdin |
| Spouse(s) |
Maryrose Connolly
(m. 1953) |
| Children | 4 |
Donn Charles Fendler (born August 29, 1926 – died October 10, 2016) was an American writer and speaker from Rye, New York. When he was 12 years old, in July 1939, he got separated from his family. He became lost on Maine's Mount Katahdin. His disappearance led to a huge search. Hundreds of volunteers looked for him. Donn survived for nine days without food or proper clothes. He followed a stream and a telephone line to find his way out of the woods. He was found near Stacyville, Maine. Donn was very thirsty and covered in bug bites. He had lost 16 pounds, but was otherwise okay. He said his experience as a Boy Scout helped him survive.
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Donn's Mountain Adventure
Donn Fendler was born in Rye, New York on August 29, 1926. His amazing adventure happened when he was just 12 years old.
Lost on Mount Katahdin
On July 17, 1939, Donn was hiking with his family. They were near the top of Maine's Mount Katahdin. A big storm hit, and Donn got separated from them. He was all alone in the wilderness.
His disappearance became big news across the country. A huge search began in Baxter State Park. Hundreds of people volunteered to look for him.
Surviving in the Wild
Donn was lost for nine days. He had no food and not enough warm clothes. He remembered his Boy Scout training. He knew he should follow a stream downhill. This often leads to people or roads. He also found a telephone line and followed that.
He ate berries he found and tried to keep warm at night. The nights were very cold. He walked about 35 miles (56 km) from where he got lost. Finally, he stumbled into a hunting camp near Stacyville, Maine.
When he was found, Donn was very dehydrated. He had many insect bites. He had lost a lot of weight. But he was safe! He said his "never-give-up attitude" and his faith helped him survive.
Sharing His Story
After his rescue, Donn wrote a book about his journey. It was called Lost On A Mountain In Maine. He wrote it with help from Joseph B. Egan. The book became a classic for children in Maine.
In the book, Donn tells his scary story from his point of view as a young boy. He describes seeing things that weren't real because he was so tired and hungry. He also lost most of his clothes during his journey.
A Young Hero's Recognition
After his rescue, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave Donn a special medal. It was for being an outstanding young hero in 1939. Donn also had a parade in his honor. He was even featured in Life Magazine.
For almost 70 years, people asked Donn to tell his story. In 2011, his story was made into a graphic novel. This helped a new generation of kids read about his adventure.
Donn's Legacy
Donn spent his summers in Newport, Maine. Every fall, he would visit schools in Maine. He would tell his story to children and answer their questions. He wanted to inspire them.
On July 25, 2014, Maine Governor Paul LePage declared it "Donn Fendler Day." This was to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Donn being found.
Donn Fendler passed away on October 10, 2016, at the age of 90. His amazing story of survival continues to inspire many people.
