We lost a great local sportsman, US patriot and American hero

Discussion in 'Lk. St. Clair and St. Clair River' started by Gone Fishing, Oct 23, 2020.

  1. Oct 23, 2020 #1
    Gone Fishing

    Gone Fishing Mod

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    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
     
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2020
    Gone Fishing, Oct 23, 2020
    Gone Fishing, Oct 23, 2020
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  3. Oct 23, 2020 #2
    22 Chuck

    22 Chuck

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    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..
     
    22 Chuck, Oct 23, 2020
    22 Chuck, Oct 23, 2020

  5. Oct 23, 2020 #3
    Gone Fishing

    Gone Fishing Mod

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    Last edited: Oct 23, 2020
    Gone Fishing, Oct 23, 2020
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  6. Oct 23, 2020 #4
    6Speed

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    RIP LTC Odell. I knew who you were and of your bravery.

    Screw the NVA, you called it. They're still living as slaves.
     
    6Speed, Oct 23, 2020
    6Speed, Oct 23, 2020
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  7. Oct 23, 2020 #5
    Sparky23

    Sparky23 Banned

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    Sounds like an amazing man. Thoughts and prayers.
     
    Sparky23, Oct 23, 2020
    Sparky23, Oct 23, 2020
  8. Oct 23, 2020 #6
    6667supersport

    6667supersport

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    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.
     
    6667supersport, Oct 23, 2020
    6667supersport, Oct 23, 2020
  9. Oct 23, 2020 #7
    fishgitter

    fishgitter

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    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!!
     
    fishgitter, Oct 23, 2020
    fishgitter, Oct 23, 2020
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  10. Oct 24, 2020 #8
    K. Trout

    K. Trout

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    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.
     
    K. Trout, Oct 24, 2020
    K. Trout, Oct 24, 2020
  11. Oct 24, 2020 #9
    Nostromo

    Nostromo Premium Member

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    R.I.P. Mr. Odell
     
    Nostromo, Oct 24, 2020
    Nostromo, Oct 24, 2020
  12. Oct 24, 2020 #10
    Craves

    Craves

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    My condolences on the loss of your friend...He was a true American hero.
     
    Craves, Oct 24, 2020
    Craves, Oct 24, 2020
  13. Oct 24, 2020 #11
    ambush 1

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    Last edited: Oct 24, 2020
    ambush 1, Oct 24, 2020
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  14. Oct 24, 2020 #12
    river jigger

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    Prayers for the family of a true American hero
     
    river jigger, Oct 24, 2020
    river jigger, Oct 24, 2020
  15. Oct 24, 2020 #13
    ESOX

    ESOX Staff Member Super Mod Mod

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    RIP. Sorry for your loss of your friend John.
     
    ESOX, Oct 24, 2020
    ESOX, Oct 24, 2020
  16. Oct 24, 2020 #14
    6Speed

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    6Speed, Oct 24, 2020
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  17. Oct 24, 2020 #15
    litg8r

    litg8r

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    Sorry about the loss John. You were blessed by his friendship and we’re all blessed by his heroic sacrifice.
     
    litg8r, Oct 24, 2020
    litg8r, Oct 24, 2020