Donald Dragoo spent Tuesday seeing the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., as a veteran on the Heartland Honor Flight.

But the 91-year-old Army veteran from Lincoln died about 20 minutes before the return plane touched down at Lincoln Municipal Airport.

Bill Williams of Omaha, one of the main organizers of the flight, said Dragoo slumped over and became unresponsive at about 8:40 p.m.

One of the two physicians who accompanied the flight attended to him, and Lincoln paramedics were ready when the plane arrived, but nothing could be done, Williams added.

The cause of death was not immediately known. Dragoo is the first veteran to die out of about 5,000 veterans who’ve participated on Honor Flights nationally, Williams said.

Dragoo’s daughter, Cindy Slone of Lincoln, accompanied him on the flight Tuesday and was with him when he passed away, Williams said.

Dragoo had been in fragile health, Williams said. He had been scheduled to go on the first flight in May, but had to cancel because of health issues.

Dragoo used an oxygen concentrator throughout the day Tuesday. The device was provided by his family physician, Williams said.

Flight organizers leave it to the discretion of the veterans, their families and their family doctors to decide whether a veteran should participate. They are not asked to sign a release, Williams said.

Williams did not think the death would prompt changes, such as pre-flight health screenings.

Dragoo served with the 3rd Armored Division in the European Theater.

Reach Joe Duggan at 473-7239 or jduggan@journalstar.com.