Donald entered the Marine Corps on December 10, 1942 at New
Castle, Pennsylvania. He was 18 years old.
After basic training Donald was sent to the South Pacific as
part of Company A (Pioneer), 4th Battalion of the 4th Marine Division.
Donald carried a BAR during the war and participated in all
four major invasions that the 4th Marines were involved in. These
included Saipan, Tinian, and Roi-Namur during the Battle of Kwajalein and Iwo
Jima.
On D-Day -1, January 31, 1944 Donald and about 250 Marines
captured Ennubira Island near Roi-Namur. This island was the first Japanese
owned island, given to the Japanese by the German’s after WWI, captured during
WWII.
Donald was awarded the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Unit
Citation and attained the rank of Corporal at the end of the war. He was
discharged in October, 1945.
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