06/28/2024
Never to be forgotten
Honoring Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz.
Dietz was born on January 26, 1980 in Aurora, Colorado. He graduated from Heritage High School in Littleton in 1999. He earned his black belt in Taekwondo from the Korean Academy of Taekwondo. When he was little, he wanted to be a Ninja when he grew up. When he learned that wasn't a real job, he decided to become a Navy SEAL.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1999, earned his SEAL Trident in 2001 and was subsequently assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two in Virginia Beach, VA.
On June 28, 2005, SEAL Team 10 was assigned to kill or capture a high ranking Taliban leader in the Hindu-Kush Mountains. The SEAL team was made up of Michael P. Murphy, Marcus Luttrell, Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson. Luttrell and Axelson were the team’s snipers while Dietz was the Communications Operator and Murphy was Lt. in charge of the mission.
They were spotted by anti-coalition sympathizers, who immediately reported their position to Taliban fighters. A fierce gun-battle ensued between the four SEAL’s and a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Danny radioed for help, and a responding Chinook helicopter was shot down by a rocket-propelled gr***de, killing eight more SEAL’s and eight Army Night Stalkers. It was, at that time, the worst single combat loss for the SEAL’s in SEAL history until August 6, 2011.
The location of Dietz’ body was unknown for seven days. His remains were recovered during a combat search and rescue operation on July 4, 2005.
A ceremony was held July 4, 2007 to dedicate the memorial statue of Danny at the Berry Park extension in Littleton, CO. The date marked the 2-year anniversary of the family's notification of his death. The bronze sculpture was placed in the park to honor Dietz, who grew up in Littleton.
Danny was buried with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado.
He is survived by his family who loves him.
