More information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44897634

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/19/adrian-cronauer-good-morning-vietnam-dies-aged-79

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/19/entertainment/adrian-cronauer-good-morning-vietnam-dies/index.html

Adrian Joseph Cronauer (September 8, 1938 – July 18, 2018) was a United States Air Force Sergeant and radio personality whose experiences as an innovative disc jockey on American Forces Network during the Vietnam War inspired the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams as Cronauer.   Cronauer was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father was a steelworker, and his mother a teacher.

He began his broadcasting career at the age of 12 as a semi-regular guest for a Pittsburgh-area children's amateur hour. Cronauer attended the University of Pittsburgh where he led a group that founded the school's first student radio station, now WPTS-FM.  In the early 1960s, Cronauer chose to enlist instead of waiting for the draft. After deliberating about entering flight training.  In 1965, he volunteered for a transfer to Vietnam because he wanted to travel. Upon arriving there, his first job was as news director for Armed Forces Radio in Saigon, but when the morning host's slot became vacant shortly after his arrival, he took over the show, known as Dawn Buster because it started at 6 a.m. He opened it with the greeting "Goooooood morning Vietnam!", which was immortalized in the subsequent movie's title. Cronauer left Saigon in 1966, but subsequent DJs continued to use his signature greeting, including Pat Sajak.(which entailed a longer service commitment), Cronauer chose broadcasting and media operations, ultimately becoming a U.S. Air Force Radio and Television Broadcasting Specialist. His service spanned the years from 1963 to 1967.  After the Vietnam war, Cronauer went on to work at various radio stations as a news anchor and in other capacities. He did voice-over work in New York and owned his own advertising agency, during which time he also earned a master's degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research.  Cronauer died on July 18, 2018.  https://www.npr.org/2018/07/23/631512031/remembering-adrian-cronauer-the-dj-who-inspired-good-morning-vietnam.
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

Guest speaker at DINFOS graduation…thank you!!!

Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery

My Husband served in Vietnam for several Tours and shared how much it meant to hear the great Radio Show that Mr. Cronauer put on for the Troops. He obviously cared about his listeners. Despite the movie about him being embellished we often enjoyed it as a nice way to look back on a painful time and truly heal a bit. For that I will always be deeply grateful. 

A lot of Mickey Mouse things happen during the Vietnam Era.  Your station like so many others, even in the frozen chosen, made us feel like we were still back in the WORLD at the big PX. Rest in Peach.

He made laughing in a place of hell funny.

What an incredible story and honor it was reading if his accomplishments and achievements 

Thank you so much for bolstering the spirits of our soldiers. We were blessed to have you

Thank you Sergeant. Thank you for your service to my beloved country. May you fly with the Angels and rest in peace. God bless.

I remember the waiting for his sign on. It was a great way for us to. Forget where we were at for a few minutes. He will be remembered. By thousands with the love of brother Veterans. 
Rest in peace my Brother.

You kept many of us smiling and got our minds off the fear. Thank You Sgt.


I was a Marine grunt in Vietnam, 1966 - 1967, and we rarely had radios in the field that we could listen to. But a few times while in our base camp I heard Adrains classic "GOOOOOODD Morning VIETNAM" greeting! We pretended we hated it but most of us got a great laugh out of it. I still use it on my own kids often....and they laugh too! God bless you, Adrian Cronauer, for injecting a bit of "left handed" humor in a not very humorous place!!! 

I didn't know Adrian, but I respect him for his service. God Bless you.

I don't know Adrian, except from what I have just read, and from watching the movie. But I must say he left a lasting impression and I am thankful for his service and for his contributions to making the world a better place. May you rest in peace, Sgt. A grateful American


I served in Viet Nam during the 66-69 timeframe so was not there when Adrian was. However, many of the soldiers I served with had been and spoke of him with great love and respect. Not sure a tribute gets much better than that. R.I.P Adrian. 

Your movie, released in 1987 cemented my decision to join the Air Force as a Radio & TV Broadcast Journalist in 1988.  You and the movie were the absolute talk of Dinfos in the Fall of 88'.... while it was made clear that "Robin Williams's antics on-screen are not military broadcasting and will NOT be tolerated when you deploy" the irreverance and sense that the troops deserve the best each of had to give followed each of us to our first assignment overseas.  Your legacy is forever legend in Hollywood but most importantly is felt still by those who heard your voice in Vietnam when and where a friendly and familiar voice and a song could make all the difference in a battle-hardened day. God's rest Air Force Sgt Cronauer!

I always looked forward to hearing his signature "Good Morning Vietnam" while still in the air and returning at dawn from an all-night on station patrol supporting Market Time ops. His was a voice that Robin Williams was never able to duplicate. But, myself and flight crew were always happy to hear! RIP Adrian for providing all in country with a bright light in darker times.

Couldn’t wait to hear his voice in the morning. It meant I made it thru another crazy night.  Rest In Peace Brother.  101st-Vet

Thank you for your service, Brother. 
Rest In Peace.

Thank you so very much for risking your life everyday. R.I.P. Soldier.  God bless and keep you. 

On my first day of Radio section training at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Basic Broadcaster Course in 1994, the instructor wheeled out a TV/Player rack and popped in a tape: Cronauer greeted our class with a “Gooooooooood Morning DINFOS!” taped message introducing us to the training, and advising what to expect. That was really cool of him to do, and the gesture has stuck with me all these years. Rest easy, Adrian, you touched many lives!

I first met Adrian after the movie came out and discovered that while I was serving with AFVN up north near the DMZ I had never heard of Adrian or the good morning, Vietnam slogan. I thought I invented that good morning Vietnam slogan only to find out when the movie came out that it was Adrian. He invited me to have dinner with him in Washington DC and he proceeded to take me to a pool hall/bar/chili house. The hard times chili café. We had a fantastic evening telling stories about the early days of Armed Forces Vietnam radio. It was sad to see his passing but I’m glad I got to meet him and know him. 

Thank you for you're service to our country. Your life was pretty amazing and you're contributions to our country will never be forgotten. Slow Salute. Insert TAPS!

I pretty routinely yell in my helmet when I go out for a ride on my motorcycle, "gooooooood morning,,,,,where ever I am.  Get's my blood pumping.  I am getting ready to retire after 38 years of service and I appreciate all that have gone before me and those that will follow.  Rest easy Sergeant!

We did not watch the movie based on your life as a radio host together, but I did watch "Gooood Morning Vietnam" and like you laughed, cried, and laughed again. Thank you for the sacrifices you and all those who serve made and still make. God embrace your soul and those of all service men and woman. Thank you


SGT ADRIAN J CRONAUER. To say your name sir is to keep your memory alive. I'm sure you helped thousands of young military personal escape the battles of war when they listened to your broadcasts. I can only hope my brother was 1 of them. Thank-you for your service and God Bless sir.. Rest In Peace...


My uncle surely listened to you while he was in country as did all. He liked a good laugh. Thanks for making his stay there a little brighter. 

ADRIAN J CRONAUER

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