National Alliance of Families POW/MIA - Eugene Red McDaniel

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National Alliance of Families POW/MIA

We are sad to pass along the following:

Navy Captain Eugene "Red" McDaniel has passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00pm at:

Alexandria Presbyterian Church

1300 W. Braddock Road

Alexandria, VA 22302.

We will send additional information for the burial at Arlington Cemetery as soon as we learn the details.

Dorothy is home with a full-time caregiver. Letters and cards (No Flowers Please) can be sent to Mike at:

Mike McDaniel

9316 Craig Ave

Alexandria, VA 22309

Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel left us and went to be with the Lord this morning at 11:11 (many of you know the significance of that number/time with us). Is that cool or what?!! He lived a life “well lived” and was an example to many. All three of us children ( me, Dave & Leslie) were with them in their home when it happened…my brother, Dave, was able to arrive from San Diego a couple hours before. It’s been a hard several months, but the Lord knows/orchestrates the timing.

The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) just called me offering his condolences and thanked me/us for all he contributed to our nation. He called me on his personal cell phone, and we spoke for over 6 minutes about my dad’s story and what my dad meant to him, being able to come to this country and become what he has become. It was just very cool and special! It was very genuine. I asked him, “How did you get my cellphone number?” He said, “Hey, I’m the Secretary of the Navy…!”

We all love you and miss you, Dad! Well done, good and faithful servant!

-Mike McDaniel (Red's son)

Captian Eugene “Red” McDaniel passed to Paradise this morning.

Red was a Hanoi POW for six years, saved the lives of other POWs by accepting the responsibility for an escape attempt he had nothing to do with, earning the Navy Cross.

After repatriation, Red remained in the Navy, skippering an aircraft carrier and in his later role as Naval liaison to Congress became convinced that POWs were abandoned in Vietnam.

Following his retirement he continued to serve the US and the POW/MIA community thru his non-profit American Defense Institute and speaking engagements.

Red was my brother Kelly’s pilot when they were shot down on 19 May 1967.

God bless this amazing man!

Please ask the Lord to grant his family peace.

And please pass this on to many.

God bless.

- Luck Patterson

Extremely sad news that Red has passed. Words cannot convey the esteem and regard for which we held for our dear friend CAPTAIN McDaniel who as a former POW and stood as a beacon to those who were abandoned and did not return, He will be welcomed by Our Lord and remembered in our prayers. In Pacem Requiescat dear friend.

-John Molloy, OSJ

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