Sijan, Lance Peter, 1942-1968

Lance Peter Sijan (April 13, 1942 – January 22, 1968) was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot. On March 4, 1976, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military award, for his selflessness and courage in the face of lethal danger.

Sijan served in the United States Air Force during the War in Vietnam as a Captain and pilot of an F-4C aircraft in the 4th Allied POW Wing. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumorusly for his bravery while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. His citation reads "While on a flight over North Vietnam, Capt. Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than 6 weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Capt. Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a prisoner of war camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered 1 of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Capt. Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Capt. Sijan's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces".

Sijan's name can be found on the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 29E, Row 062. He is the subject of "Into the Mouth of the Cat: The Story of Lance Sijan, Hero of Vietnam," written by Malcom McConnell, which describes his plight during Vietnam.