Early Life and Military Career:
Lance Peter Sijan was the eldest child of Sylvester and Jane Sijan, born to an ethnic Serb father and an Irish-American mother. He grew up in Milwaukee, where his father owned a restaurant. Lance's upbringing was marked by the values of hard work, determination, and a strong sense of duty instilled in him by his parents. His formative years were spent in a nurturing environment that emphasized the importance of family, heritage, and community.
After graduating from Bay View High School in 1960, Sijan embarked on a path that would lead him to greatness. He attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School at the United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge, Maryland, immediately following his high school graduation. His commitment to education and personal growth earned him an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Sijan's academic pursuits did not overshadow his love for sports. He played on the Air Force Academy's football team for three years, showcasing his dedication and teamwork. In his final year, he made the difficult decision to leave the team to focus on his studies, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. In 1965, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Humanities and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
Following his graduation, Sijan commenced Undergraduate Pilot Training, marking the beginning of his remarkable military career. He was assigned to the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Wing, stationed at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, where he served as a pilot and systems officer in an F-4 Phantom.
The Last Mission:
November 9, 1967, is a date etched in history as the night of Sijan's 52nd combat mission. He and pilot Lieutenant Colonel John Armstrong were assigned a critical bombing mission to Ban Laboy ford in Laos. Tragically, during the mission, their F-4C aircraft was engulfed in flames due to a malfunction in the bomb fuses, leading to a premature detonation upon release. In a desperate bid to survive, Sijan ejected from the aircraft, landing on a rocky limestone ridge near the target.
Sijan's journey from this point forward was nothing short of miraculous and exemplified his indomitable spirit. Despite suffering a fractured skull, a mangled right hand, and a compound fracture of his left leg during the violent ejection, he was determined to survive. Alone, without food, and with minimal water and no survival kit, he managed to evade enemy forces for an astonishing 46 days.
Throughout his ordeal, Sijan's resilience was evident. He could only move by sliding on his buttocks and back along the unforgiving terrain. His journey led him to a truck road along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, where he was captured by North Vietnamese forces on Christmas Day, 1967. Even in captivity, he displayed unwavering resolve, repeatedly resisting his captors' attempts to extract information beyond the limits of the Geneva Convention.
Lance Peter Sijan's life, from his early years influenced by his family and community to his valiant military service, remains a testament to the enduring impact of childhood experiences and values. His involvement with DeMolay during his teenage years in Wisconsin undoubtedly contributed to his sense of duty, honor, and commitment to a greater cause.
Despite the unimaginable challenges he faced, Sijan's unwavering determination and commitment to his fellow airmen never wavered. His selflessness and courage under lethal danger ultimately earned him the Medal of Honor, which he received posthumously in 1976.
Lance Peter Sijan's legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder that the values instilled in us during our formative years can shape us into extraordinary individuals. His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human will and the enduring power of resilience, honor, and sacrifice.
