Drew Dennis Dix facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Drew Dennis Dix
Dix in 2010
Born	(1944-12-14) December 14, 1944 (age 80) West Point, New York
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1962–1982
Rank	Major
Unit	82nd Airborne Division 5th Special Forces Group 9th Infantry Regiment
Battles/wars	Operation Power Pack Vietnam War
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart Cross of Gallantry (Vietnam)

Drew Dennis Dix was born on December 14, 1944. He is a brave United States military veteran and a retired Major in the United States Army. He earned the Medal of Honor for his amazing actions during the Vietnam War. He was the very first enlisted soldier in the Special Forces to receive this special medal.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Drew Dix was born in West Point, New York. He grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, and finished high school there.

When he was 18, in 1962, Drew joined the United States Army. He really wanted to join the Special Forces, which are highly trained soldiers. At first, he was too young. So, he spent three years serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. During this time, he took part in a military mission in the Dominican Republic. When he turned 21, he was finally accepted into the Special Forces.

Heroic Actions in Vietnam

By 1968, Drew Dix was a Staff Sergeant. He was working as a military adviser with the South Vietnamese Army in a place called Chau Phu, near the Cambodian border.

On January 31, 1968, enemy forces attacked Chau Phu. This was during the start of a big battle called the Tet Offensive. For two days, Staff Sergeant Dix bravely led groups of local fighters. They worked to rescue people who were in danger. They also pushed the enemy out of buildings in the city.

For his incredible bravery, President Lyndon B. Johnson gave Drew Dix the Medal of Honor. This happened at the White House on January 19, 1969. Drew Dix is one of four Medal of Honor recipients from Pueblo, Colorado. Because of this, Pueblo is known as the "Home of Heroes."

After these events, Drew Dix became an officer. He retired from the Army as a Major after serving for 20 years.

Life After the Army

After leaving the Army, Drew Dix worked as a security expert. He also ran an air service in Alaska. Later, he served as Alaska's deputy commissioner for homeland security.

In 2000, Drew Dix wrote a book about the fight for Chau Phu. It was called "The Rescue of River City." He often gives speeches to share his experiences. Today, he lives in Alaska.

In 2010, Drew Dix helped start the Center for American Values in Pueblo, Colorado. This center helps share stories of American heroes.

Awards and Honors

Drew Dennis Dix received many awards for his service. The highest honor he received was the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation

Drew Dix (far right) and three other men after receiving their Medals of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson (center).

The Medal of Honor is given for extreme bravery. Staff Sergeant Dix showed amazing courage. He risked his life to help others.

During the attack on Chau Phu, the city's defenses broke down. Staff Sergeant Dix was called back to help. He learned that a nurse was trapped. He quickly put together a team and rescued her. He brought her to safety.

Then, he heard about other trapped civilians. He led another group to rescue eight workers. They were in a building under heavy fire. Staff Sergeant Dix then went back to the city center. He faced intense enemy fire from a building. He bravely attacked the building himself. He defeated six enemy soldiers and rescued two people from the Philippines.

The next day, Staff Sergeant Dix gathered 20 men. Even under heavy enemy fire, he cleared the enemy out of a hotel and other buildings. His bravery inspired the South Vietnamese soldiers. They started fighting back against the enemy. Staff Sergeant Dix captured 20 enemy soldiers, including a high-ranking official. He also rescued the wife and children of a local official.

Because of Staff Sergeant Dix's heroic actions:

• 14 enemy soldiers were confirmed killed.
• Possibly 25 more were killed.
• 20 prisoners were captured.
• 15 weapons were taken.
• 14 American and other civilians were rescued.

Staff Sergeant Dix's actions were truly heroic. They showed great credit to the U.S. Army.

Other Awards

Drew Dix also received many other important military awards. These include:

Images for kids

• 

  Combat Infantryman Badge

• 

  Medal of Honor ribbon

• 

  Bronze Star Medal ribbon

• 

  Purple Heart ribbon

• 

  Air Medal ribbon

• Army Good Conduct ribbon

  Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon

• 

  National Defense Service Medal ribbon

• 

  Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon

• 

  Vietnam Service Medal ribbon

• 

  Bronze Service Star

• 

  Army Service Ribbon

• 

  Vietnamese Gallantry Cross ribbon

• 

  Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon

• 

  Special Forces Tab

• 

  5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) background trimming

• 

  Senior Parachutist Badge