Adrian Cronauer

Cronauer redirects here. See Gail Cronauer for the actress with the same last name

Cronauer in 2006

Adrian Cronauer (born September 8, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a former United States Air Force sergeant and radio personality whose experiences as an innovative deejay in Vietnam inspired the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam.

Background in radio

Cronauer began his broadcasting career at the age of 12, as a guest for a Pittsburgh-area children's amateur hour. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he helped found the forerunner of the university's college radio station WPTS.

Military service

Cronauer co-wrote the original story for the film Good Morning, Vietnam, which was based on his experiences as a Saigon-based deejay during the Vietnam War, where he served from 1965 to 1966. His program was known as the "Dawn Buster". A subsequent special program on National Public Radio about the role of the American Forces Vietnam Network -- AFVN -- (military radio and television) earned Cronauer a 1992 Ohio State Award and two 1991 Gold Medals from the New York Radio Festival.

Personal life

Cronauer earned a master's degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York City and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Cronauer's law practice concentrated in information and communications law. He was also the head of an advertising agency. Later he worked as a special assistant to the Director of the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office.

Cronauer is a member of Mensa. He is also—contrary to Robin Williams' portrayal—a "lifelong card-carrying Republican", having taken an "active role" in both Bob Dole's 1996 and George W. Bush's 2004 Presidential campaigns.