First Lieutenant Dennis Edward Heitner
U.S. Army – Silver Star
- Branch: U.S. Army
- Rank: First Lieutenant (1LT), Infantry
- Unit: 1st Platoon, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (“Wolfhounds”), USARV
- Home of Record: Syracuse, New York (grew up on Staten Island; family later in Cincinnati)
- Date of Birth: September 11, 1945
- Date of Casualty: June 13, 1970 – Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam
- Awards: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and extra decorations
- Panel on The Wall: Panel 9W, Line 50
Dennis Heitner was the son of a minister, the oldest of five children, and a gifted writer, actor, and student. He graduated from Curtis High School on Staten Island, attended Syracuse University as an architecture major, and served as president of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, before entering the Army and earning his commission as an infantry officer.
After Airborne and Ranger training, Heitner deployed to Vietnam as a platoon leader with the 27th Infantry Regiment, the “Wolfhounds.” In the spring of 1970, he was awarded the Silver Star for leading his men under heavy fire to relieve another company in Cambodia, and he was promoted to First Lieutenant. On June 13, 1970, while commanding a night ambush position near Cu Chi, he was killed by enemy rocket fire. His commander described him as an “exemplary officer” whose courage and devotion to duty earned the deep respect of his Soldiers.
Coolbeaners & The Micky Spano Show Tribute
On November 19, 2025, mickyspano.com/ and The Micky Spano Show salute 1LT Dennis Edward Heitner—scholar, leader, Wolfhound platoon leader, and a young officer who gave everything for his men and his country.
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