D.J. Dietz - You Will Never Be Forgotten
Friday, September 29, President Bush gave a speech to the Reserve Officers Association on the occasion of the visits by President Karzai of Afghanistan, and President Musharraf of Pakistan. He praised the efforts of both leaders in the War on Terror and the commitment and bravery of U.S. troops, including two Navy SEALs who were posthumously honored recently with the Navy Cross, the Nation’s second highest military award.
I think of two Navy SEALs named Matthew Axelson and Danny Dietz. In June of 2005, they were part of a SEAL team operating deep in the mountains of Afghanistan on a mission to kill or capture a Taliban leader. They were discovered, and they were soon surrounded in a mountain ravine by 30 to 40 Taliban fighters. During the firefight that ensued, Axelson urged an injured teammate to escape, and he provided cover before suffering a mortal wound. Fighting nearby, his partner Dietz was also mortally wounded, but he too stood his ground and kept firing until finally, he finally died.
Because of the courage of Petty Officers Axelson and Dietz, their wounded teammate made it out alive. For their heroism, these two Petty Officers were awarded the Navy Cross. But I want you to hear what Petty Officer Dietz’s wife said about her husband and his comrades in arms. She said, “Danny and his brothers went toward evil and ran forward and gave their last breath.”
It’s difficult to find words to adequately describe someone whose bravery and dedication go above and beyond anything you’d likely see in your daily life, let alone in your entire life. What makes a man into a hero? What gives him the courage to voluntarily be dropped into a nightmare with no hope of waking up to find it was only a dream? The only way out is to finish the job, and he knows it doesn’t always end with the good guys coming home safe and sound. Sometimes, no matter how much you’ve trained or how well you’ve planned, the monsters win. What kind of man looks at those lousy odds and says “that’s for me”?
We can have confidence in the outcome of the war on terror — because our nation is determined. We’ve done this kind of hard work before, and we have succeeded. And we can be confident because we’ve got incredible men and women who wear our nation’s uniform. I am constantly amazed at the incredible courage that our fellow citizens who wear the uniform show on a regular basis. –George W. Bush
Those incredible citizens were encouraged by friends and loved ones and mentored by the best Americans trained in the past, but first they were raised and taught by incredible parents. The following is a heartfelt tribute by a mother to her warrior son.
You Will Never Be Forgotten.
By Cindy Dietz
Mother of Petty Officer 2nd Class, Navy Seal, Seal Delivery Team Two Danny Phillip Dietz Jr.
January 26, 1980 - June 28, 2005
On June 28, 2005 we lost our hero - beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, grandson, and husband. He will forever be in our hearts and souls until we meet again in the heavens above.
We want D.J. to be remembered for the amazing and caring and full of life person he was and is. He always strived to be the best in everything he did and achieved everything to the best of his abilities. D.J. was very strong willed and that is who he needed to be to become the hero we all have come to admire and love.
D.J. and his sister Tiffany could have been twins. They were very close and they shared the kind of unique, private way of communicating that such a bond creates. He was a very protective but very loving older brother. They were always together not only in childhood but were inseparable in their teen years as well.
D.J. and Tiffany loved their little brother Eric. They very much babied him most of the time, but would sometimes gang up on him thinking they were only making him tough. Eric looked up to D.J. and he was definitely his role model while growing up.
D.J. came home from one of his deployments when Eric was in a terrible car accident. He broke his neck in the same type of injury as Christopher Reeve. The medical staff let D.J. stay with his brother, and D.J. did not leave Eric’s bedside the whole time he was in intensive care. We were told he would never walk again but Eric kept telling his brother “I will walk again,” and after his surgery he did. We never questioned what D.J. told his little brother but we believe whatever it was he gave him the strength to walk again.
Eric is now going to run a marathon in honor of his brother D.J., something only his brother and God above can see him through with all the family and friends supporting him.
D.J. was our first born. We learned through him the true meaning of love. He was such a joy to us and we felt blessed with such a beautiful and loving infant. Through his childhood, teen and adult years we as parents were thankful to our heavenly father for giving him to us and though we were not perfect parents, we did the best we could in raising such an amazing hero. We are very proud of our son’s accomplishments and thankful for the time, though cut short, he was here on earth. The love we shared was and is the true meaning of what love is all about.
D.J. loved his Grandma Dee and Grandpa Jim, and their tremendous love for D.J. will always be with him.
D.J. married his soul mate March 14, 2003. Although their life together was short they shared a fairytale love that not many of us in a lifetime get to share.
Agnieszka has become a close friend to the Dietz family. She has written her own tribute to D.J. and his family.
Extraordinary Gallantry and Valor
By Agnieszka O., family friend
Navy Cross Medal, Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Expert Pistol and Expert Rifle Medal.
Many knew him as Danny, but for family and many friends he was D.J.
I have never met D.J., but I feel like I know him in some way. I know him through his parents , Cindy and Dan, his brother Eric, his sister Tiffany and her husband Alex, his grandmother, aunts and uncles, family members, friends as well as pictures and video clips.
On June 28 this year family and friends celebrated D.J.’s life in a private memorial service in Denver, CO. The memorial service was a moving tribute to the HERO who, like his father Dan, wanted to serve his country and joined the Navy. Dan Dietz Sr. served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and provided an early inspiration for D.J. to become a Navy SEAL. They also shared the love of martial arts. Dan has a black belt in Taekwon-Do and started to teach D.J. when he was a toddler. D.J. also liked boxing and won the Armed Forces Boxing Championship representing the Navy team.
On September 13, the Dietz family traveled to Washington D.C. to attend a special presentation ceremony at the United States Naval Memorial next to the “Lone Sailor” statue. Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz Jr. and his Navy SEAL brother, Petty Officer 2nd Class Matt Axelson, were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Nation’s second highest Military Award for valor and gallantry. The medals were the fourth and fifth to be awarded to Navy SEALs since 2001.
D.J. was one of the four Navy SEALs inserted into the hostile territory close to Asadabad, Afghanistan during Operation Red Wing. D.J.’s specialty on the team was communication. After the team’s hiding position was compromised, they engaged in a fierce battle against overwhelming numbers of Taliban militia. They radioed for help and helicopters were dispatched to extract the team. By the end of that day, 28 of June 2005, two of D.J.’s teammates on the ground, Matt Axelson and Mike Murphy were KIA, one of the SEALs was able to escape, and eight Army Night Stalkers and eight Navy SEALS on board the Chinook helicopter perished in the rugged mountains of South Afghanistan.
D.J. gave it all to his team. He fought till the end.
The SEAL Ethos says:
“My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves.”
D.J paid the ultimate price to protect his teammates and his country.
On Monday August 18, Littleton Boulevard in Littleton Colorado was temporarily renamed in honor of D.J. to Danny Dietz Drive. The sign will be in place for 10 days. The City of Littleton is planning to unveil a permanent memorial in honor of DJ in one of the Littleton parks next year.
Eric is going to run the 31st Marine Corps Marathon in honor of his older brother D.J. The marathon will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at Fort Meyer, Arlington, VA, near the Pentagon. Eric has never run in a marathon before but he has been diligently training the past several months — it will be very emotional for Eric but I know he’ll be able to complete the race.
The family site at T.A.P.S. is here.
My six-year-old son, Adam, really wanted to run a marathon in memory of DJ as well. Adam is going to run the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids’ Fun Run on Saturday, October 28th. Eric took some time off with his own training to run with Adam. Adam is proud to run in memory of DJ.
Together with the City of Littleton, the Dietz family is raising money for the memorial statue of D.J.
Tax-Deductible contributions can be mailed to:
City of Littleton Finance Department
Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Memorial Fund
2255 West Berry Ave.
Littleton, CO 80165
The Dietz family is also developing a web site in a memory of their son at www.dannydietzjr.com.
The President’s conclusion to his speech:
We live in freedom because of the courage of men like Matthew and Danny. And we will honor their sacrifice by completing the mission. From Afghanistan and Iraq to Africa and Southeast Asia, we are engaged in a struggle against violent extremists — a struggle which will help determine the destiny of the civilized world. We’ve borne these responsibilities before, and we have seen our faith in freedom vindicated by history. In this young century, a new generation of Americans is being called to defend liberty — and once again the cause of liberty and peace will prevail.
No one can replace a man like D.J. Dietz. He was unique and will be fondly remembered by all those lives he touched.
Additional reading:
Blackfive, Axelson and Dietz to receive Navy Cross
Navy NewsStand, Two SEALs Receive Posthumous Navy Cross Awards
Hampton Roads, Beach SEAL honored for his sacrifice in Afghanistan
Navy Cross award given on September 13, 2006.
The Navy Cross citation.
This is a video tribute to D.J. created by Agnieszka.
July 5, 2007
The Memorial Statue in Littleton, CO was unveiled July 4, 2007. Slapstick Politics has a very nice post about it with pictures and links.
October 29th, 2006 at 10:17 am
GN, WOW! Thanks so very much for sharing this with us. I’m trying to figure out a way so that everyone who tunes in to CNN today is automatically directed to this site. Brave men and women (and their FAMILIES) like this DESERVE to be told about over and over and over. Their message is always so clear, so poignant, yet so unheard “out there”.
Agnieszka’s tribute is tremendous. I never knew Petty Officer 2nd Class Dietz but when watching this video tribute I felt like I did. I laughed, teared up and felt a great deal of pride by “meeting” him via this video. Thanks so much Agnieszka.
And, to DJ’s family, thank you for sharing this amazing human being with us in every way. He IS a hero. He IS the reason I know I will continue to have freedom and liberty - promise and hope.
October 29th, 2006 at 7:10 pm
Sometimes there aren’t words. This is one for me.
Rest in peace warrior. Thank you, forever.
October 29th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
What heartfelt tributes to an amazing hero!As I reflect on all who were important in Danny’s life, I can’t help but also reflect upon our country’s sense of pride and loss as we hear about him from a number of different people. His memory is being kept alive by those who always loved him and those that just now feel they know him.The boys’ tributes, Eric, particularly with his medical history besides, and the helping of Adam to get ready for his run, to think of it is so especially touching. They are part of Cindy and Agnieskas touching tributes as well, as they raise children so well.As Cindy was saying in a number of ways, Danny lived a fuller life in terms of achievement, honor, and love than many ever will.Rest in peace, Danny, and thank you.
October 30th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
GN - thank you for sharing such loving tributes to one of America’s finest.
October 30th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
::SALUTE::
October 30th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
Thank you GN for sharing this. There just really aren’t words….
Rest in peace DJ.
October 31st, 2006 at 11:56 am
Very beautiful Tribute…thank you for keeping my husband’s spirit alive…and showing others the incredible man he was and still is within us…I haven’t seen before some of those pictures of him when he was little and it just bought tears to see a little baby grow to be such an incredible man. I will always miss him…for years to come until i reunite…
Thank you Dietz’s for this tribute..Good job
Maria(patsy)Dietz
October 31st, 2006 at 12:21 pm
Thank You! Maria. I’m really honored to have been asked to post this tribute to your wonderful husband and equally honored to have you visit.
Semper Gratus!
December 8th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
Thank you for a French
December 11th, 2006 at 4:45 pm
What great soldier and hero!I write from Italy i m a soldier too and i was so impressed from this story of these brave men…and I m so near to his wife…you have to grown up YOUR kids he will be an hero like his Great Father…I admire You and Dietz family…God bless You..This tribute touch my heart and next time I will serve abroad I will think about an Hero
If you would contact me i will be honoured to get in contact with Dietz family…GOD BLESS YOU…
LT.ROB C.
ITALY
January 4th, 2007 at 3:34 am
May the good Lord be by your side now and with your family Navy Seal Dietz. I recently viewed the rotten footage taken soon after your demise and it impelled me to look your name up on the Internet which is how I found this site. I feel so sadened for your death, as well as the deaths of so many of your comrades in the armed services. Your bravery and service to your country make you forever a hero. May God Bless you for eternity.
January 16th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Thank you for continuing to support and remember those of us who are willing to go into harm’s way…
January 19th, 2007 at 1:19 am
Evil has taken many forms over the centuries. Luckily for us all there has always been exceptional, selfless, dedicated, compassionate fighting men and women to defend humanity against it. D.J. Dietz is an example of the type of American who made this country great, kept it secure and made it strong enough to defend and spread the freedoms that we all enjoy and too often take for granted. D.J. is in sacred and revered company. In spite of the pain and sorrow that D. J.’s family and friends will endure, there is also great pride and comfort in knowing that D.J. loved life and gave his life for those he loved. Rest in peace American Hero.
January 23rd, 2007 at 2:54 pm
homage has these great men who fight for peace that they rests in
peace and one thought for all these families which suffers from their
son or girl died with the combat.
a very beautiful video assembly and a very beautiful music, which is
the title of this music?
January 29th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I don’t even know where to begin. I am from Colorado and there is a part, deep inside my soul, that wishes to become a Navy Seal. These selfless men are the epitome of what a “Great Man” means, to me atleast. My uncle operated with SDV team One in Hawaii and was present at the funeral for the eleven we lost that day. Being from Boulder, so close to where D.J. comes from, I cannot help but feel a strong underlying connection with this man who I never knew. Today I was surfing the internet and watching videos as I do from time to time (many of which concerning the seals). One came up and I clicked on it. It was the Talibans video of Danny and the others. I did not know it was him at first. They show is Navy ID card later on, clearly among other things, gear, weapons etc. Then I surfed for more on Danny realizing we are from the same place. I recognized the same Tattoo on DJs chest from the Talibans video as from the video here for the tribute. I became overwhelmed with emotion, my eyes became filled with tears. I just wanted to share the emotion I felt today. I cannot express the immense honor, emotion and gratitiude among other things, that I feel to have had such a man, and men, serve and pay the ultimate price. When I walk down the streets of Boulder, going about my buisness and life, I am reminded that this beautiful, peaceful place I live in does not come free. That happiness that I experience in life does not either. These men, thousands of miles away, in foreign lands fighting fierce enemies, are the ones who pay for it. I am honored to be from a country in which free men such as danny chose to go “down range” and stick there guns in the fight.
If there is anything I can contribute to in the building of Danny’s memorial please email me. I am 20 so I have hardly any money but I am more than willing to lend a hand or a shovel perhaps in the building. Given my location I would be honored to help.
RIP D.D. JR.
February 1st, 2007 at 10:49 am
did hello tim I ever see this video, your considering its where?
February 25th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Tim, City of Littleton collected more money for the memorial that they hoped for.
March 12th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
I wish to God he was still here.
April 7th, 2007 at 9:37 am
“Danny belongs to the nation”…
The parents of Navy Cross recipient and American hero Danny P. Dietz speak. The Rocky Mountain News stands by Dietz. Video tribute and more here. President Bush’s remarks about Dietz and fellow Navy SEAL Matthew Axelson last September: I……
April 7th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Remembering a hero…
H/T: Michelle Malkin We don’t talk about heroes often enough these days. I think of all the things we could be complaining about…and then there is this from the Rocky Mountain News…. These guys were HEROES….and all the City of……
April 7th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
The flap about Danny’s memorial is an outrage! I wish I could have the memorial to him here.
April 7th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
I read the account of the heroism of this group of Navy Seals on Blackfive several months ago. I think of them every day as I pray for the well being and service of the Seal who lived. I feel it an honor to dwell for these few moments each day on such incredible men as Danny Dietz and his Seal companions who exhibited such sublime courage that fateful day in Afghanistan. We are “the land of the free” because “we are the home of the brave” - thank-you forever Danny.
April 7th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Thank you Michelle for linking me to DJ video. Danny does belong to this great nation. This nation can only pray Danny’s memory WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. To the parents, wife, brothers & Sisters…this I do promise…I will never, ever forget DJ and all the proud soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines who fight for this country. To my last breathe..this I promise.
April 7th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Looking back in history, President Lincoln, and a Civil War Vetran said it best-
President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address said; “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us-that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-
A Minnesota Civil War Veteran (Alexander Christie in 1865) wrote to his sister, “And yet a person may read of these things a lifetime, but unless he has seen for himself he knows but little about it.â€
Let us never forget the devotion & resolve that Danny had in serving this nation.
April 7th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
SEAL statue frightens parents…
Navy SEAL Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz Jr., fell in action in Afghanistan in 2005:Petty Officer Dietz, 25, was awarded the Navy Cross, the service’s second-highest award for valor after the Medal of Honor, for fighting off an ambush……
April 7th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Danny is an example of what Bravery really is. I don’t know him, But I admire him. I wish we had more like him. May God bless him and keep him. I hope his Family and freinds find peace.
April 7th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
I am honored to have read this site. It’s people like D.J. who enable the rest of us to live our lives as we do. Sacrifice is no stranger to people of his caliber. I am in debt to him and all the rest who give so much of themselves to protect me and my family from harm. Good job sailor, God Bless!
April 8th, 2007 at 12:29 am
I followed the link to this website from Michelle Malkin’s site. I do not even know what to say to you as the family of such an outstanding serviceman let alone parents of a wonderful son who answered the call of his country. I hope God will give you love and hold you all in his hands. As I read the article about the people in Littleton outraged about a statue honoring a true hometown American hero I could not help but get outraged at their obvious ignorant attitude. Young men like Danny are the heros of this generation and should be honored and held in high esteem for the sacrifice he made. A statue to honor him I hope will show at least to some people the men and women who love this country enough to give the ultimate sacrifice and I hope and pray they pause and say a prayer for you all for the loss of your son, your husband, brother,friend and also have a thought of thankfulness for Danny and what he gave his life for. YOu have much to be proud of and you truly honor your son. God bless and love you all
April 8th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Thank you for that very, very moving tribute.
April 8th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
To the family and friends of PO2 Dietz I offer my condolences. To the memory of PO2 Dietz, I promise to never forget. Thank you for your service and rest in peace as a soldier deserves. He is a hero for all. I salute you.
-SSG CT
April 9th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Boundless courage and unswerving devotion to family, friend, and country. D.J. Dietz. We honor your memory, pray for the safety and comfort of your family, and rededicate ourselves to the great cause of human liberty for which you gave your last full measure. God hold and keep you. You were a soldier.
April 9th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Just followed a link from Michelle Malkin’s website. Thank you for sharing and I pray that God will grant you peace in this time of loss.
April 10th, 2007 at 12:05 am
What an amazing man, so young yet so brave! This is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful and dedicated soldier. It just reinforces that we must all continue to support our troops and remember the sacrifices they make every day all over the world! Thank you for sharing your story!
April 10th, 2007 at 11:37 am
God blessed our country with brave and honorable men such as Danny… and I am forever thankful.
April 15th, 2007 at 2:12 am
I am a scottish police officer. I had the opportunity to investigate terrorist activity here in Scotland and came across a video of a terror training camp, where they,(the terrorists) in Afghanistan were celebrating the death of DJ. Words can never replace him but he is a true hero and should not be forgotten. I lost a loved one recently and I know how you will be feeling. Remember the good times. DJ did what he was proud of doing, serving his country and providing security to all around the world. God bless you and God bless America.
April 21st, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Danny Dietz is emblematic of everything that is still right with America. My sons and I were honored to meet his father last July 3rd, 2006 in the WalMart parking lot. Even in the time of his grief, Mr. Dietz was other-people-centered. He helped my sons and I get an inflatable boat in our minivan.
I will always remeber Mr. Dietz’s words, that he considered it an honor that Danny died for his country in a worthy cause.
I was impressed that Mr. Dietz was a man of character and Christian wisdom. It was plain to me how someone like Danny could turn out so well with a father like that.
Mr. Dietz exemplified, to me, what ulitmate fatherly character looks like. A Dad who obvioulsly loved and raised his son very well, but who understands that only
God knows the day and the hour that each of us will enter eternity. There was no regret or self pity on this man. He counted it a priveledge to give this ulitmate sacrifice to his country.
It comforts this mother’s heart that there are still men like the Dietzes left in our generation.
May God’s bless the Dietz family.
With gratitude and respect,
Colleen (Mrs. Jesse) Bowen
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:16 am
A world class individual. I feel honored just watching the video. Words can’t express the gratitude, I can just say “Thank you.”
April 23rd, 2007 at 5:08 pm
R.I.P. thank God a nation and it’s soldiers are willing to stand up for security for the rest of us. My deepest sympathy to all.
June 15th, 2007 at 12:15 am
Our family would like to thank all of you for your kind words your prayers, we are so proud to have shared some of our son’s life growing up with all of you. If you all would like to read a short biography of our sons life a woman wrote a book about 50 fallen from 50 states Faces of Freedom ‘www.rebeccapepin.com’, also the survivor Marcus Luttrell has his book with the story of Operation Redwing… Again thank you all and Remember our Troops!!!
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:13 pm
I just finished reading Marcus Luttrell’s book “Sole Survivor.” It conatins a very moving account of Danny’s final battle, and what Danny meant (and still means) to his teammates. He was a real man and a true hero. I am so sorry his family lost such a husband, brother and son.
July 4th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
To the Dietz family and friends.
Last year I was putting together a myspace page in honor of our fallen heros when someone had told me of a certain person who had a video on his page showing some horrible video from Afghanistan.
I viewed the video and found out who the person was in the video.
I was was outraged that this was allowed on myspace so I made it a point to have this person removed from myspace.
after two weeks of contacting people from our newspaper and local news team and also the admins from myspace.
I had the person and the video removed.
I then made a space on my page in honor of Danny along with two friends that have been KIA.
I have also added him to a couple of tribute videos I have made on youtube.
My heart goes out to all of you.
I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom that Danny has made for us all.
God bless you all
Love and prayers
Antoine
AKA Americanpride
July 4th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I was in attendance at the Memorial Service and unveiling today in Littleton. What a wonderful way to spend the morning of Independence day, and to be in the presence of such a wonderful family, and of the heroes on hand to pay their respects–some in uniform, some not. For those that are interested, I did take some photographs…
May God bless Danny and his fallen teammates, and may His grace and peace be upon his family and friends.
July 8th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
I just finished reading Marcus Luttrells book and I must say that these men are truly heros. Luttrells first hand account of the battle shows how very brave and professional that all of these soldiers really are. All to often these days the wrong people are looked upon as heros. These men symbolize what heros really are. Their families were very blessed to have had these men in their lives. I only wish that I had the opportunity to thank them for the job they did and to tell them how gratefull that I am to have the freedoms that they fought for. Rest in peace Danny Dietz.
July 12th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
This is exactly what I expected to find out after reading the title D.J. Dietz - You Will Never Be Forgotten. Thanks for informative article
July 31st, 2007 at 3:43 pm
God bless you and your family for your service!!!
Came from A-stan last week!
Death to our enemies!
August 11th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
The tribute page speaks volumes of not only love from family and friends, but from what the very best of America can bring to our Armed Forces.
Profoundly saddened but eternally proud, I am.
August 25th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
I just read the book “Lone Survivor” and I am overwhelmed with emotion about the heroics of the men of the SEAL Team 10. Danny is an American hero and I am so grateful I was able to learn about what he did for our country. He will never be forgotten.
To his family - although we will most likely never meet, please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
May we live our lives to make him proud.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
God bless you and your family
September 17th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
The United States, now more than ever, needs men like Danny Dietz. Thank you, Danny, for the inspiration you provided us in your life and in your death. God bless you. And God bless America.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
dear Dietz family,I’m 25 years old.I belong to the US.Army I just wanted to say thank you for your and danny’s sacrifice’s.Your son was a great man,he was a true HEROE GOD BLESS and thank’s D.J.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
SOY UN INFANTE DE MARINA DE PERU Y SE EL SACRIFICIO QUE HIZO DJ POR SUS TEAMMATES POR SU PAIS Y POR LA LIBERTAD DIOS TENGA EN SU GLORIA.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:53 am
Danny, you will never die in my heart and in the hearts of my wife and two children. Your spirit is not capable of death. Your body is not here, your spirit prevails in all of us, just a little bit. All men die, not every man truly lives. I pray that we truly live as you did. I am better because of you. My son and daugheter are better. My wife is better because of you. We love you, we love your family. We think of you often. We will never forget. On my deathbed, I will remember a handful of people. You will be one.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
you guys did really good with this website, im glad people still take time out to leave comments on a posting like this, its something i never usually do myself. but i wanted to tell you, for whats its worth, the guys here at Seal Team 2 havent forgotten him, or any one else. i didnt see any other team guys comments on here so i thougth it fitting that i should leave one. we werent at the same team, he was at SDV 2 i was at team 2, but that doesnt mean a thing, he was still a brother, and i still to this day pray for his wife, after seeing her at the memorial service on little creek. i have never been more choaked up by service than i was that day. what maria said that day will stay with me for the rest of my life. i wont forget it as long as i live. i dont think i have ever felt like that before. i hope i never feel like that again. maria, no one has forgotten him, dont ever let yourself think that. and we are still doing everything we can to take it to them. i know youve heard hundreds of team guys give there condolences over the last 2 and half years, in fact im sure your sick of us, but i wanted to let you know that i still pray for you personally and his family. to this very day. i wont begin to think that comforts you in anyway, but i feel like you need to know it. we wont ever forget you guys. we love you.
take care
January 9th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I left for the Navy the excat same day Danny did. In fact we spent the whole day at MEPS together and then flew to Chicago. I remeebr sitting and talking with him about what his rate was and what mine was gonna be. I rememebr bits and pieces of the conversation but the one thing he said thats sticks in my mind was when he said he was gonna be a SEAL. I said “wow, I couldn’t imagine doiing that for a living.” Danny’s reply was, “I am either gonna die in BUDS or I am gonna be SEAL.” Not many people get to me but when he said that there was a though im ky mind that this kid was gonna be a warrior and he was. He seemed to me like the type of person that could do anything he wanted to do. We got to boot camp and were put in different divisions and the only other time I saw him was on liberty weekend with his girlfriend. I didnt get a chance to talk with him or meet her but I knew it was her because she came to the airport before we left with a couple other people which i believe were his mom, bro and sister. The next time I heard anything about him was when he was killed.
He was the a warrior, shipmate and the definition of what we do everyday. People like Danny set a bar that cannot be raised. He was the first peron I met when I started my career but definitly will not be one I forget
January 19th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I am reading Sole Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and felt compelled to access some of the websites dedicated to these brave young men involved in this harrowing mission. Doing so has allowed me to reach deep inside myself, almost as if I know them each personally as I read about their lives and families as well as their couragous battle with the Taliban forces on that mountainside that fateful day in June. We lost our dear cousin Master Sgt. Philip Albert on a mission in Afganistan and feel the pain and heatache felt by the families of these fine young men. It is because of them and others like them that we are able to live peaceful and productive lives in this great country. May God hold them in the palm of his hand.
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
If you could look up in a dictionary at the definition of a “real man” it would list the name Daniel “DJ” Dietz and the other comrades like him who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Those rare breeds like Daniel raise the bar on what a man should be. I never had the honor of meeting him, but a glimpse into his life has motivated me to be the best man I can be. I will never forget the name Daniel Dietz and the price he paid for my freedom for as long as I live. Anytime I look at that American flag waving in the wind, I will think of Daniel and warriors like him and be reminded of how proud I am to be an American. Thank You Daniel for your Service on behalf of me and my family. A Big SALUTE from a fellow American.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Like many others I was led to finding out more about P.O. Dietz, while reading Lone Survivor. All our men and women in uniform should be honored and saluted, but the SEALs hold a place that goes even beyond. This tribute is a beautiful and fitting memorial that exemplifies the highest individual character qualities and standard of service to the greatest nation. God bless P.O. Dietz, his family, and his SEAL family.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:22 am
I have the pleasure of knowing DJ’s sister Tiffany. I never got to meet Danny, but have met the Dietz family. All of them are wonderful people. I am very honored to know this family. They have done a wonderful job with all their kids. To Eric the few opportunities I have seen you it was obvious what a fine young man you’ve turned out to be. Your older brother would be proud of you. I have a 6 year old son and plan to tell him about P.O. Dietz and explain how important he was to all of us, and the sacrifice he made to help keep us free. He is a definate hero and a man of honor. With people like Danny fighting for our country I am honored to call my self an American. Thank You Danny for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten!
July 14th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’m glad Danny was an American!