John Andrew Donnal

The database page for John Andrew Donnal

09 Nov 2001 This is a picture of LTC John Andrew Donnal taken on the evening of January 1, 1967 upon his return from a "good luck" send-off dinner. He left for Vietnam the next afternoon. Pictured with him are his 9 year old son, John F. Donnal, and his 7 year old daughter, Catherine Donnal Singley. His wife Mimi Donnal was the photographer. This is the last picture we have of him with his family. "But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten. Their offspring will continue forever, and their glory will never be blotted out. Their names live on generation after generation." Ecclesiasticus 44:10-14 From his wife, son, and daughter, Mrs. Mimi Donnal, John F. Donnal, and Catherine Donnal Singley singleonce@aol.com

4 May 2005 I recently went to Washington D.C, and saw the Vietnam Wall. "John Donnal" was the name that I made a rub-on for. I want to thank him for serving for our country. One person truly can make a difference. My Grandpa was in Vietnam. He died recently. It is so tragic that you had to lose a son, a husband, a father, a friend at such a young age. I'm sure he was a wonderful person. "Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them." - Ralph Waldo Emerson - From a student, Annie Smith cubbiesrock22@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall Major Donnal was graduated from Pennsylvania State University with the Class of 1953. Following his first assignment in Korea (Feb 1954 - July 1955) he remained on active duty until his assignment as Executive Officer of the 65th Engineer Battalion. He was the only fatality resulting from a helicopter incident at Cu Chi, where the 65th Eng Bn was based. He was granted a posthumous promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and award of the Legion of Merit. LTC Donnal is buried in Site 20-B, Section 2, Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Kansas.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his wife, son, and daughter, Mrs. Mimi Donnal, John F. Donnal, and Catherine Donnal Singley singleonce@aol.com 09 Nov 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 05/14/2005