Military Hero of the Game Duane Vavroch is recognized on the field during the third quarter of the game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, October 26, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA MEDIA OFFICE

A Tama native and Air Force veteran who was taken as a prisoner of war in Vietnam after flying a bombing mission over Hanoi in 1972 was honored as the University of Iowa’s “Military Hero of the Game” during last Saturday’s win over Northwestern. Duane Vavroch, who was released from captivity after 94 days in 1973, was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, and his valor citation reads as follows: “First Lieutenant Duane P. Vavroch distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Navigator near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 26 December 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Vavroch participated in a high-priority bombing mission against a vital military target in heavily-defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the extreme hazards presented by surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Lieutenant Vavroch displayed an extraordinary and courageous ability to perform under severe stress and a willingness to place the mission above his personal safety in order to successfully release his ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Vavroch reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

He was welcomed onto the field at Kinnick Stadium and received a hearty round of applause from the audience.