Donn Fendler

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On July 17, 1939, twelve year old Donn Fendler of Rye, N.Y., was lost on Maine's Mt. Katadin when he wandered away from the rest of his party. His disappearance launched a manhunt which became front page news throughout the Nation, and involved hundreds of volunteers. Donn survived for 9 days without food, water or proper clothing, before happening upon a (fortunately) occupied cabin in Stacyville, Maine. He was dehydrated, covered with insect bites, and 16 pounds lighter than at the beginning of his odyssey, but miraculously otherwise unharmed. His experience as a Boy Scout helped him survive by eating whatever he could find, and attempting to shield himself as best as possible during the frigid nights.

He became the subject of a book, "Donn Fendler - Lost On A Mountain In Maine", by Joseph B. Egan, which to this day is read each year by hundreds of Maine schoolchildren. In the book, Donn told of experiencing hallucinations due to fatigue and hunger, as well as losing most of his clothing. After his rescue, he met two times with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who presented him with a citation. United States Representative Ralph Brewster entered Donn's story into the Congressional Record. Donn also was feted with a parade in his honor, and featured in an article in Life Magazine.

Donn later joined the United States Army, served in Vietnam, and retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel. Today, he travels frequently to Maine to make appearances to discuss his experiences, often at libraries or in local schools. He and his wife, Maryrose "Ree" Fendler raised four children, and currently reside in Clarksville, Tennessee.

www.donnfendler.com