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Ralph Waldo Emerson used the following words in closing his “Self Reliance.”</p>
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"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but triumph of principles.”</p>
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This idea expressed by Emerson could be the yardstick to measure the life of Don Dietz. Don was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on 23 March 1945, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charley Dietz. He was educated in the Little Rock Public Schools. He was recognized by his peers as a leader. This was demonstrated by his many endeavors. He was chosen President of the Student Body during the ninth grade. In high school he served on the Student Council, the Debate Team, was a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He was an active member of the Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church.</p>
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The following words were written by Don on 18 September 1960. This was written for a part of his permanent record the year that he entered high school. “My sense of values may be like some and different entirely from others. I like an intelligent person, and this does not necessarily mean school-wise. Common sense, used at the right times, is the best thing a person can have, whether or not he is book smart. A sense of humor is a mark of a well-rounded person also, but having respect for other people will get you the most friends. I only hope I can hold these values all of the time, because that is part of my goal.”</p>
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This paper contains many more words of praise for his family and compassion for mankind. This early attitude indicates that Don was travelling down the road of Emerson’s dream. His peers saw this quality in him and turned to him for leadership. Don became interested in West Point during the summer vacation of his junior year. He applied for admission through all of his congressmen and senators. He was awarded two principal, one competitive, and one alternate nomination. He accepted his appointment in 1963 from Senator John L. McClellan. Don fully accepted the life of a Cadet. Due to an injury he was to miss most of his Plebe football year. He did letter all three years on the varsity team and was invited to play in the North-South, All-Star Game at Miami, Florida. He was also selected on the All-East team during his senior year.</p>
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Don met Ruth Darrow at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, while he was on a tour of U.S. Army Camps. She was a student at Oklahoma State University. They were married in December 1967. Don’s first military assignment, after graduation from the Academy in 1967, was in Germany. He and his wife spent a little over a year in Germany. This tour was followed by an assignment in Vietnam. Captain Dietz arrived in Vietnam in May of 1969. He was assigned to the Mekong Delta as an Artillery Liaison Officer with the 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Captain Dietz spent a great deal of his duty time in a command-control helicopter where he coordinated Artillery fire for the American forces.</p>
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On 17 September 1969, Captain Dietz and his Brigade Commander were on a control flight. Their helicopter was fired on by a fusillade of enemy fire. In attempting to avoid this attack, the aircraft was maneuvered accidentally into an observation helicopter. The two crafts crashed and burned. Captain Dietz was one of twelve Americans to lose his life in this crash.</p>
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Before his death he had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and the Ranger Tab.</p>
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Don was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, eighth and ninth Air Medals, and the Purple Heart. How many times will the words of Plato echo across the globe? “The only peace for the soldier is when he is dead and in his grave.” This "echo” was heard by: Ruth, who lost a loving companion; Mr. and Mrs. Dietz, who lost a devoted and loving son; Alex, who lost a brother and an admirer; many, who lost a friend; and by a nation that lost one that exemplified "Duty, Honor, Country.”</p>
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<em>—Sam Kent, </em><em>A friend and teacher</em></p>