Drew Dennis Dix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Drew Dennis Dix
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Dix in 2010
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| Born | December 14, 1944 West Point, New York |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
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, born on December 14, 1944, is a brave American soldier. He retired from the United States Army as a Major. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing actions during the Vietnam War. He was the first enlisted soldier in the Special Forces to receive this special medal.
Contents
Early Life
Drew Dix was born in West Point, New York. He grew up in Pueblo, Colorado. He went to Centennial High School and graduated there.
Military Career
Drew Dix joined the United States Army when he was 18 years old in 1962. He really wanted to join the Special Forces. At first, he was too young. So, he spent three years serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. During this time, he helped in Operation Power Pack. This was when the United States military stepped in to help in the Dominican Republic.
When he turned 21, he was finally accepted into the Special Forces. By 1968, Dix was a staff sergeant. He was sent to South Vietnam as a military adviser. He worked with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) in a city called Chau Phu. This city was close to the Cambodian border.
On January 31, 1968, a big attack happened. Forces called the Viet Cong attacked Chau Phu. This was part of a large surprise attack known as 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 Viet Cong out of buildings in the city.
Because of his heroic actions, Drew Dix received the Medal of Honor. President Lyndon B. Johnson gave him the award on January 19, 1969. The ceremony took place at the White House. Drew Dix is one of four Medal of Honor recipients from Pueblo, Colorado. Because of this, Pueblo is known as the "Home of Heroes." It has more Medal of Honor recipients per person than any other city in the United States. The other heroes from Pueblo are William J. Crawford, Raymond G. Murphy, and Carl L. Sitter.
After this, Dix became an officer. He retired from the Army as a Major. He served for 20 years. His last job was in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, from 1981 to 1982.
Later Life
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, 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 story. Today, he lives in the middle of Alaska.
In 2010, Dix helped start the Center for American Values. This center is in Pueblo, Colorado.
Awards and Decorations
Medal of Honor
The President of the United States, on behalf of Congress, proudly gave the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Drew Dennis Dix. This was for his incredible bravery and courage in battle. He risked his life far beyond what was expected.
Staff Sergeant Dix showed amazing heroism as a unit adviser. Two strong Viet Cong groups attacked Chau Phu, the capital city. The city's defenses completely broke down. Staff Sergeant Dix and a group of Vietnamese soldiers were called back to help defend Chau Phu.
He learned that a nurse was trapped in a house. Staff Sergeant Dix quickly put together a rescue team. They successfully saved the nurse and brought her to safety. He then heard about other trapped civilians. Staff Sergeant Dix bravely led another group to rescue eight workers. They were in a building under heavy attack from bombs and guns.
Staff Sergeant Dix then went back to the city center. As he neared a building, he faced intense gunfire from many Viet Cong. He personally attacked the building. He killed six Viet Cong and rescued two Filipino people.
The next day, Staff Sergeant Dix, still on his own, gathered 20 men. Even under heavy enemy fire, they cleared the Viet Cong out of the hotel, theater, and other nearby buildings. During this attack, the Vietnamese soldiers were inspired by Staff Sergeant Dix's bravery. They rallied and started fighting the Viet Cong. Staff Sergeant Dix captured 20 prisoners, including a high-ranking Viet Cong leader.
He then attacked enemy troops who had entered the home of a local official. He successfully rescued the official's wife and children. Staff Sergeant Dix's brave actions resulted in 14 confirmed Viet Cong killed. Possibly 25 more were killed. He also captured 20 prisoners and 15 weapons. He rescued 14 American and other civilians. Staff Sergeant Dix's heroism was truly exceptional. It brought great honor to the U.S. Army.
Other Awards
Drew Dix also received other important awards for his service. These include the Purple Heart and the Cross of Gallantry from Vietnam. He also earned various service medals for his time in the military.
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See also
