Who Is Doug Hegdahl? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 3, 1946, Doug Hegdahl is a notable United States Navy sailor and a former prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Known for his remarkable resilience and courage, Hegdahl's experiences have made him a significant figure in American military history. As of 2025, he is 78 years old, exhibiting an unwavering passion for sharing his story and advocating for veterans.
| Occupation | Sailor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1946 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Clark, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Doug Hegdahl's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Doug Hegdahl aren't publicly available, as a former Navy sailor, he was known for maintaining good physical condition throughout his service. His height and weight have likely fluctuated over the years, but his legacy remains robust.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details about Doug Hegdahl’s family life are relatively private. However, he is known to have a close-knit family who supported him during his time as a prisoner of war. As for relationship status, Doug Hegdahl has been married. He values companionship and family life, often sharing anecdotes about his loved ones during interviews and public speaking engagements.
Both of his parents were descended from Norwegian immigrants and he remarked how his entire family were devout Lutherans. Heghdahl graduated from Clark High School in Clark, South Dakota on May 24, 1966. Immediately afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Following recruit training and advanced school, he had achieved the rank of Seaman Apprentice and was sent to Dixie Station.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Doug Hegdahl's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million. His earnings come from various sources, including his career in the Navy, public speaking engagements related to his experiences, and possibly investments he has made over the years.
Career, Business and Investments
Doug Hegdahl’s career began in the United States Navy, where he served with distinction. His time as a prisoner of war garnered national attention, leading to numerous speaking engagements and opportunities to share his story of survival and resilience. In addition to his military career, Hegdahl has been involved in various veteran support initiatives. Although he may not be widely involved in business ventures, his advocacy work for veterans demonstrates his commitment to service beyond the military.
Social Network
Doug Hegdahl is not particularly active on mainstream social media platforms, as he prefers to engage with followers through his public appearances and speaking events. Nevertheless, updates and insights about his activities can frequently be found on veteran-related forums and websites.
The interrogators first believed that Hegdahl was a commando or an agent. His story of being blown overboard seemed unbelievable to the interrogators. Hegdahl thought he would be much better off if he pretended to be of low intelligence.
Hegdahl was physically maltreated for a few days before he was able to convince his captors that he was of little value for their propaganda campaign. His bumpkin demeanor and youthful appearance aided in his ability to convince them that he was no threat to them.
Education
Doug Hegdahl graduated from high school before enlisting in the United States Navy. He has since become an advocate for education and has spoken at numerous institutions, inspiring young people to learn more about the history of the Vietnam War and the importance of supporting veterans.
Douglas Brent Hegdahl (born September 3, 1946) is a former United States Navy petty officer second class (E-5) who was held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. After an early release, he was able to provide the names and personal information of about 256 fellow POWs, as well as reveal the conditions of the prisoner-of-war camp.
