Donald Digger Odell recently passed away. Many may remember him as being the longest held prisoner of war during the Vietnam era spending almost 6 years in the Hanoi Hilton after being shot down on his 17th bombing mission during the Vietnam crisis as an Air Force aviator. I somehow was lucky enough to befriend him due to some acquaintances and enjoyed his company on quite a few fishing trips which I will never forget. The man loved to hunt and fish. He will be missed by everyone he came in contact with and many more that never had the opportunity. If anyone cares to hear about his 1st day after being shot down and in captivity, this is what he went through. He was one tough SOB! https://www.macombdaily.com/news/na...cle_bfddbdd6-49eb-5c34-bf83-f9ad1d3dc72c.html
The name sound very familiar. I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Is there some place I can read about his life after pow?? Thanks..
RIP LTC Odell. I knew who you were and of your bravery. Screw the NVA, you called it. They're still living as slaves.
Sorry to hear, hard to imagine someone going thru that and being able to live a normal life afterwards. A lot of them went thru hell over there and the lucky ones that made it home never got their due. Good to hear he was able to enjoy life for many years after going thru that.
I new of Digger Odell through my friend Captain Joe Bryer of the surf charter service of which I first matted with for 18 years on Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron. Joe new him well and talked about him often. R.I.P. My fellow veteran,we will see you soon!!
Thank you for your service to our country Mr Odell. He sounds like a true American Hero. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. God Bless.
Here's a tribute I just found on a news feed.... https://www.foxnews.com/us/donald-digger-odell-vietnam-pow-michigan-native-dies-86
Sorry about the loss John. You were blessed by his friendship and we’re all blessed by his heroic sacrifice.