Danny Dietz Jr. was born on January 26, 1980 in Aurora, Colorado, the son of Danny Phillip Sr. and Cindy Dietz, and brother to Tiffany Bitz and Eric Dietz. He was a 1999 graduate of Heritage High School. He earned his black belt in Taekwondo from the Korean Academy of Taekwondo.
Dietz enlisted in the Navy on August 31, 1999. Following his graduating from Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes, on November 27, 1999, he completed Gunner’s Mate “A” School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida. From there he transferred to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and graduated with Class 232 in 2001. Dietz went on to attend the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning in Georgia, then SEAL Qualification Training and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Training. Immediately upon checking in at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on November 8, 2001, he was assigned to Task Unit Bravo as the secondary SDV pilot and the Ordnance and Engineering Department head.[1] In Virginia Beach, Dietz met and married his wife, Maria L. Dietz, in March 2003. In April 2005, Dietz deployed with his Special Reconnaissance element to Afghanistan to support Naval Special Warfare Squadron TEN in the prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism.
Dietz was part of an elite team of four SEALs on a reconnaissance mission “tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan,” according to a Navy news release.
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 and Murphy were the spotters.
“They were spotted by anti-Coalition sympathizers, who immediately reported their position to Taliban fighters. A fierce gun-battle ensued between the four SEALs and a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position,” the Navy release said. The SEALs radioed for help, and a responding Chinook helicopter was shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade, killing eight more SEALs and eight Army NightStalkers. It was the second worst single combat loss for the SEALs in SEAL history.[
Dietz was returned to the United States, where he was interred with full military honors. His hometown of Littleton, Colorado honored his memory by erecting a statue of Dietz in uniform holding his rifle, which was unveiled on July 4, 2007.
Dietz was awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart and many others for his service.
When I read the book, “Lone Survivor” I was shocked and proud that our country could start with a young sailor and turn him into a warrior at Danny’s elite level. And the parent in me was grieved for his sweet mother & dad, that, at that time, I had never met. I pray God’s blessing be with Cindy, Don & all his family. And that Danny’s story will never be forgotten.
A true American hero. I will not forget the sacrifice he made for this great country.
Your service, courage, honor and humanity remain inspirational.
You will NEVER be forgotten!
Your whole family continues to inspire ours. The strength you have shown in the face of adversity is and will always help motivate us. My sons went to Heritage High School and all 3 have joined the Navy. Jace worked out with Dan and Tiffany often and the whole experience helped to form him into a man of courage and character we were striving to launch into the world. All of us have been affected by Danny’s life and we will continue to pray for and share his story with all we know and I know others who do the same. Even today the teachers at Heritage still speak of DJ and what it meant to have him in class and what kind of man he was.
Thank you for all you continue to do.
Brother – you will never be forgotten – BUD/S Class 107 – Underwater Demolition Team ELEVEN.
I’m glad to see this site. All the best in 2014 to Danny’s family, friends and teammates. I’m looking forward to the “big screen” telling this amazing story and also looking forward to the book about Danny
Danny is such an inspiration to others and much guarantee for his selfless actions and self sacrifice for his country. He will always be remembered the true American hero and patriot.
Great friend will forever be missed!
Rest in peace, Shipmate. You’re on the high trail now.
Thank you for raising a son like Danny..
My Cousin A True American Hero! Thank you ! Much Love and Respect to my Dietz Cousins,also My Beautiful Aunt for raising a True Hero and also Uncle Dan Dietz! Forever in my Heart!
Long live Heroes like Danny ! I will never forget the sacrifice he gave for my Country !
Honored to have known his tribute to all of us ! Rest In Peace brother !!
Sincerely,
Rocky Twitchell
Liahona Warrior Arts International
Thank you for raising a hero. God Bless You
We will never forget your great sacrifice.Long live the brotherhood! George and Kathy Tumilson gold star parents of Jon Thomas Tumilson, KIA 8/6/11 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.
Just wanted to say Danny’s and his Teammates’ actions will never be forgotten. The book is now required reading, not only for my sons, but the kids I coach as well. Also would like to say “Thank you!” to Mr. Dunlap for signing both books I got at the premiere. Lastly, a HUGE THANK YOU to Cindy and Tiffany for the Grace and Strenth they exude!!!
Never forget.
My son is in the Navy
Danny…. I have never met you but I know you. I can’t thank you enough for your sacrifice. I and my family will be forever in your debt and will do all we can to keep your memory alive.
We all miss you Danny, you will never be forgotten……your Valor and Heroism shown on that day will stay with me the rest of my life I will life up your name and keep telling people about you and your brothers.Rest easy Warrior……
Operation KILO
Killed in action memorial project
We all miss you Danny, you will never be forgotten……your Valor and Heroism shown on that day will stay with me the rest of my life I will life up your name and keep telling people about you and your brothers.Rest easy Warrior……
Operation KILO
Killed in action memorial project
To Danny’s Wonderful Family, Thank you All for being who you are and who you helped Danny be for all of us.
You continue to inspire. You name actions and heroism will live on in those left behind. The American Legion – Navy SEAL Danny Phillip Dietz, Jr Memorial Post 322.
Danny, your actions and service to our country are grateful. You and others will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, and inspire others to Never Quit. My family Salutes you and all others that parished throughout history. God Bless see you in Heaven.
Thank you for sharing Danny’s story with the world. Your son is a true American hero. God bless your family.
Ever since hearing the story about Danny years ago i have never forgotten him or the heroes like him. He is an American Hero to the fullest. Thank you.
Thank you for giving your life to protect ours. Not many words can say what you have done. We will never forget the sacrafices you and your brothers made on that mountain. Thank you.
danny was one hell of a seal and i just wanted to say i am sorry for your loss and i know he will live on in the men and women how follow in his virtues and foot steps
I know I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but I am a big fan of your son. For 2 reasons we have the same birthday I’m just 4 yrs younger but the main reason is because I know he made the ultimate sacrifice for me and my family to live in this country. I am a fireman and people like your son who lay their lives down for their friends, and for complete strangers are the ones that I have the highest respect for. I hope you and your family had a great day remembering your son yesterday!
A true American hero and a good friend.
I just want to say thank you for Danny’s life. And prayers for your entire family
Little brother you will never be forgotten by me or my family .Dietz On Semper Fidelis
I am sorry for your loss. I commend you for allowing Danny to live through you, the book and the memorial. I am an Army Soldier and a Police Officer. I understand. Be safe and GOD Bless.
Danny and his brothers are my inspiration. Thank you for sharing his story. Thanks to Danny, Mike, Matt, Marcus and all the others i know what i want to achieve in life, what i want to do…
I have a dream and i know i can do it, because i know that my heroes support me. Even though they don’t know me. They are in my heart forever and i feel their support. I know they do. And Danny, he’s my biggest inspiration. America is where my heart belongs.
Danny is a hero, i will never forget his sacrifice. And I’m sorry for your loss, the world lost a great person, a true American hero. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.
Danny…thank you. God bless you all.
Much love from Belgium.
Saw the movie and was amazed how much they suffered for doing the right thing. America will be forever grateful for the heroes who gave it all. Freedom truly is not free.
My son and I were at the NRA convention on 04/26/14. While we were walking around he said “It’d be cool if Marcus Lutrell were here.” Just as he said that we turned a corner and the first thing we saw was a picture of Danny on a shirt. We both looked at each other. We met Danny’s and Axe’s moms. At our first meeting Mike and I were unable to speak. We were both almost in tears. We’ve seen the movie, I read the book, but this made it personal. It made it real. We were honored meeting the families.
I’m a former sailor from thru out the 80’s. Served 3 on the Saratoga and 3 on the Ranger. I have and always will look up to the special operators no matter what. Those guys do things that normal people will never/fathom understand; it is a brotherhood. God bless every single sailor, marine, etc and wish you godspeed.
I thank Danny and his teamates every day for their sacrifice. I am former Navy as well and proud to have him represent us. Thanks Danny for your sacrifice.
Thank you for you service and dedication to our country you are the definition of the word hero.
Thank you from france i will not forgotten
Our heartfelt condolences. He will not be forgotten. With much gratitude. Jeff and Katie Stone
Your son did what he knew was right and defended what he loved. May his memory live on. He will never be forgotten.
QUE D,US ABENÇOE E DE A PAZ PARA VOCÊS POIS NOSSO HERÓI SIM HERÓI AQUI NO BRASIL TAMBÉM FORÇA E HONRA!
My condolences to the Dietz family. It’s an honor to have had Danny and his fellow teammates fight for our country. Honestly, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of Danny. Everyday. I think of him everyday. I personally never knew him but ever since I knew about what happened to him, he’s been my hero. It makes me very sad that he’s no longer with us but I hope that we all never forget him and always keep him in our hearts.
Much love
XOXO
God Bless the Dietz Family. Danny is an inspiration, a true American Hero !
Since I learned of Operation Red Wings & the men & families who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation, not a day has passed that I don’t think about Danny. As a former U.S. Marine & Police Officer, I know you give everything for the men next to you. Danny & his brothers light shined brightly. So bright, he is making a difference in peoples lives today. He certainly changed my life. I pray I’ll have the honor of meeting him in Heaven. God bless you and thank you for your service & sacrifice.
So sorry for the loss of one of America’s finest. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for serving our country; prayers to the family who suffered the loss of their loved one. May God bless you.
God bless You and your family…NEVER OUT OF THE FIGHT”…Rest in Peace Brother
Not sure if I have visited here before? I am sure you are not forgotten Danny. Your Service and the Sacrifice you made will always be remembered. May you Rest Safely now in God’s care and may His peace abide with your loved ones Always.
R.I.P Hero Read the lone survivor book and the way you and your teamates went down just sad. But danny everyday in school I always think of you just to keep doing good in school my dream is to become a Army Ranger your a inspiration Danny Hope the Dietz Family is doing good I will always look up to you danny always will be a hero and my hero.R.I.P.