OSAN AIR BASE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- Janine Sijan-Rozina, sister of Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force Capt. Lance P. Sijan visited Osan Air Base February 17-19 to share her brother’s story of heroism and resiliency.
Her brother was one of only 14 Airmen to receive the Medal of Honor for their service during the Vietnam War. He evaded capture for 46 days, after his F-4C Phantom II crashed in the harsh jungle terrain off the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Even after being captured by the enemy his commitment to freedom endured despite the constant beatings and torture.
Sijan-Rozina doesn’t want that to be the only focus on her brother.
“This story was bigger than our family and our family’s loss,” Sijan-Rozina said. “The bigger picture is what we are all capable of doing, each one of us can expand much greater than ever imagined.”
During her visit with Team Osan, she showed a film depicting her brother’s life; giving a perspective not shown in most history books.
“My goal is to personalize Lance, and to allow people to understand what they have in common with him, rather than what separates them,” Sijan-Rozina said. “I want them to feel more personally connected to him as a human being than an iconic hero.”
Although his sister wants people to focus on who he was. It’s important to understand the resiliency he displayed that awarded him the Medal of Honor.
“We see so many heroes to emulate across Air Force history, but Capt. Sijan truly shows us how small victories really make a difference,” said Senior MSgt. Dawn Roznos, event coordinator. “It takes a powerful drive in the face of adversary, but we all need to find how to access that endurance.”
What started as a normal night mission as a co-pilot went terribly wrong as a munition prematurely detonated during a bombing run. During the ejection his mask and survival kit where blown away and when he awoke he had a mangled hand and compound fracture of his leg preventing any thought of walking.
Although in extreme pain he kept from using his service pistol to identify his position to rescuers in case there were enemy troops in the area. When the rescue attempts failed because of the dense jungle canopy he decided to crawl using his elbows across the rocky limestone.
During his crawling sessions, he would sometimes pass out and awake to different pests trying to eat his flesh, covering his body in sores. He was captured after finally reaching a roadway, emaciated, but still strong enough to attempt an escape, forcing a whole village to search for him. Once captured and placed among fellow prisoners, his resolve gave strength to his fellow countrymen.
No matter how long they would torture and beat him, he would only provide the required information.
Sijan, my name is Lance Sijan.