Navy sailor Doug Hegdahl becomes Vietnam POW hero after falling overboard

Doug Hegdahl, a South Dakota native, fell overboard from the U.S.S. Canberra during the Vietnam War and was captured by North Vietnamese forces. He became the youngest and lowest-ranking prisoner at the Hanoi Hilton, where he cleverly pretended to be uneducated to gather intelligence. Hegdahl memorized the names of 254 POWs, helping to confirm 63 as prisoners of war. His actions provided crucial information to the U.S. military and improved conditions for fellow captives, despite ongoing torture. After his release in 1967, Hegdahl became a survival instructor, sharing his experiences to help others. He lived a quiet life in San Diego, reflecting on his unique contributions during a challenging time in history.