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LIEUTENTANT COLONEL DALE EUGENE JENNE had a promising career cut short on 12 February 1969 in the Panama Canal Zone when the single-engine plane in which he was riding failed and the plane crashed into Gatun Lake. Although all four men aboard were able to get out safely, Dale was the only man able to bring out a life-saving cushion which he gave to a fellow officer who could not swim. All three of the other men reached safety. In spite of his excellent swimming ability, Dale drowned as a result of back injuries received in the plane crash. For this act of unselfish heroism he was awarded the Soldier's Medal. Apache Field at Fort Davis, Panama Canal Zone, was renamed in his honor in a beautiful and touching ceremony held 12 January 1970.
Dale's Army assignments since graduation from West Point in June 1954 include the Infantry School at Fort Benning, both as student and cadre, the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, the Chinese Catonese language course at the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, and 1st Special Forces on Okinawa. On Okinawa, he also worked as G3 and was Aide-de-Camp to General Albert Watson III, the High Commander of the Ryukyus. He served in Vietnam IV Corps as District Advisor at Vihn Long where he received the Legion of Merit, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was killed while commander of the 4th Battalion, 10th Infantry, 193d Brigade at Fort Davis, Panama Canal Zone.
Dale's life wasn't simple and a few words won't tell his story, but there are things that are important. He was very military in his thoughts and actions and organizing was one of Dale's many strong points. It gave him the appearance of never having too much to do. In his mind all his duties and pleasures fell easily into place. The more there was to do, the better organized he became. He could concentrate completely on his interest of the moment seeming to have no other concerns (even when that interest was tumbling on the rug with his sons or chasing one through the house in fun).
Dale was patient, quiet, and deliberate in all his actions. His seemingly slow pace gave him great reserve. He was always alert and his ability to listen and truly hear and understand was of great benefit to him. His calm and quiet hid a restlessness within himself. He was constantly questioning and barely completed his projects before he was re-doing them in a different way. His searching mind and thorough dedication to detail made him a harsh critic of himself. While hard on himself, he was patient with human weaknesses and felt confident most people gave of their best efforts as he always did. In this way he inspired excellence.
Dale's special brand of humor that could sting as well as soothe was Dale Jenne to all who knew him. His death left a void that can never be filled. The memory of his own unique creative twist to life often gets me through a trying day. We miss Dale terribly. He was always a true champion to the ideals of the Corps and taught the meaning of Duty, Honor, Country through his actions. To his four sons I can't say more than, "Go live your life as well and be as much of a man as your father was."
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