John "Chick" Donohue

John "Chick" Donohue

John "Chick" Donohue (John Donohue) was born in 1941 and is currently 85 years old. John "Chick" Donohue was born in New York City, NY, USA. Donohue attended Harvard Kennedy School.

John “Chick” Donohue is best known as a former trade unionist, merchant seaman, and Marine who became famous for making an extraordinary journey across thousands of miles to deliver beer to American soldiers during the Vietnam War.

The Inwood native joined the Marine Corps at age 17 and served for six years, with assignments in Japan and the Philippines. Though he served during wartime, he was never involved in direct combat. After his discharge, he joined the Merchant Marine.

In late 1967, as anti-war protests were gaining momentum in the U.S., Donohue became increasingly concerned about the morale of his friends serving in Vietnam. What began as a barroom idea turned into what would later be known as the greatest beer run ever. He signed up for a ship transporting ammunition to Vietnam and brought with him handwritten notes and cases of beer, hoping to track down and surprise his friends.

He arrived in early 1968 and, despite dangerous conditions on the ground, managed to deliver the beer and reconnect with soldiers in need of encouragement. He remained in Vietnam through the start of the Tet Offensive before returning to New York.

In 1970, Donohue bought and ran a bar called Doc Fiddler’s in Inwood - the same place where the idea for the beer run had originally been born. He later became active in the labor movement, working with local trade unions and labor organizations.

His mission to Vietnam was chronicled in a memoir he co-wrote and published in 2020. The story was adapted into a feature film in 2022, directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Zac Efron.

In his memoir, The Greatest Beer Run, Donohue shares the remarkable tale of how he snuck into war-torn Vietnam to bring beer - and much-needed support - to his friends on the front lines. What started as a gesture of solidarity turned into a harrowing, often humorous, and unforgettable journey. Along the way, he narrowly escaped danger and even survived the Tet Offensive.

Despite the risks, Donohue’s efforts brought joy, comfort, and a sense of home to the soldiers he found. His story is ultimately one of boldness, heart, and unshakable loyalty - a unique account of friendship, patriotism, and the power of small gestures in extraordinary times.

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John "Chick" Donohue: F.A.Q