Soldier's Journey to Service Began in South Vietnam

May is a month that celebrates the contributions of Americans to the nation’s history and the Defense Department’s commitment to readiness, excellence, and unity of purpose. Army Col. Danielle Ngo, a seasoned officer and warfighter, embodies the warrior ethos and high standards of the U.S. Army, encouraging young people to serve their communities or the military with distinction.

Ngo’s path to becoming a soldier began in South Vietnam, where her early life was shaped by a defining moment of resilience and sacrifice. In late April 1975, at age 3, she and her family faced the collapse of Saigon as North Vietnamese forces overran its defenses. Her mother, Thai-An, and sister, Lan-Dinh, were visiting her paternal grandparents in Saigon when evacuation became urgent. Her grandfather, determined to keep the family united, braved restricted travel conditions—taking eight buses and scooters from Vung Tau to reunite Ngo with her mother at Tan Son Nhat airport. Amid aerial bombardment, their plane, likely the last to depart, carried them to safety. Eligible for evacuation due to her grandmother’s prior service at the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, Ngo’s family left behind her father, a South Vietnamese Army captain who stayed to fight. He later emigrated to the United States years after the war.

Settling in Massachusetts, Ngo’s mother raised her daughters in Melrose, Malden, Hingham, and Watertown, instilling in them a strong work ethic and resourcefulness. Ngo’s lifelong ambition to serve took root early, and at 17, she persuaded her mother to sign enlistment papers for the Army Reserve. Her commitment deepened at 19 when she visited her ailing grandfather in Vietnam, the first of four trips she would make—some for family, others for Army missions—reflecting her dedication to duty and readiness. By then, the U.S. had normalized relations with Vietnam, now a valued partner.

In 1994, Ngo graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in finance and earned her commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Her career since has been marked by warfighting excellence, with assignments in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Her combat service earned her a Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, a testament to her skill and courage under fire. In November 2016, while at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, Ngo co-authored a strategic study, "U.S.-China Competition: Asia-Pacific Land Force Implications," collaborating with peers including an exchange officer from the People’s Army of Vietnam. “Working together on that project was a highlight,” she said, showcasing her ability to unite diverse perspectives for a common purpose despite limited Vietnamese language skills.

Now serving as the executive officer for the Army Inspector General at the Pentagon, Ngo upholds the Army’s standards with precision and leadership. Her younger sister, Lan-Dinh, also pursued a military path, graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and serving seven years on active duty, further exemplifying their family’s commitment to service.

Ngo’s commitment to unity of purpose shines when she engages Vietnam veterans, asking to hear their stories and offering gratitude. “Their sacrifices paved the way for me to live my dream as a soldier,” she said. “They endured immense hardship and deserve recognition for their service.” Her respect for their warfighting legacy fuels her own dedication to the Army’s mission.

Col. Danielle Ngo’s journey—from a perilous evacuation in South Vietnam to a distinguished career—reflects the warrior ethos of perseverance, merit through earned achievements, and readiness to serve. Her leadership and combat-tested resolve strengthen the Army’s standards and unity of purpose, ensuring its warfighting edge.