Is honored on Panel 21W, Row 110 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Army of the United States
E3 Private First Class
11B10: Infantryman
A CO, 2nd BN, 2nd Infantry, 1st INF DIV, USARV
Born in Pasco, Washington 19 September 1948, Daniel Wagenaar was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert L. Wagenaar. He lived in Richland, Washington until he went to the University of Montana in Missoula in 1967. The following summer he enlisted in the United States Army. Daniel was an Eagle Scout, and had studied to be a forester before enlisting in the Army. On 12 July 1969 Private First Class Wagenaar was serving as a rifleman with his mechanized unit on a clearing operation in the vicinity of the Black Virgin Mountain. As his friendly force proceeded across the base of Nui Cau Hill, they were suddenly subjected to sporadic sniper fire from an estimated North Vietnamese Army company. With complete disregard for his personal welfare, Private First Class Wagenaar immediately dismounted his armored personnel carrier and moved on line with the remainder of his squad. As the advancing infantry proceeded up the treacherous hill, they were subjected to a vicious insurgent crossfire that forced the friendly soldiers into a tactical retreat. Observing numerous casualties lying in exposed positions, PFC Wagenaar unhesitatingly maneuvered through the hostile fusillade and began administering first aid to the wounded personnel. While providing covering fire for the removal of the casualties, PFC Wagenaar was mortally wounded. His courageous initiative and selfless concern for the welfare of his comrades distinguish PFC Wagenaar as a soldier of highest caliber.
PFC Wagenaar’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army. (taken from General Orders Number 8440 awarding PFC Daniel Wagenaar the Silver Star for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the republic of Vietnam). PFC Daniel Wagenaar also received the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal for heroism with oak leaf cluster, the Purple heart, the Republic of Vietnam Military Merit Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He had been in the Army only nine months when he was killed.