Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Willson
Donaldson
February 7, 1924

–

August 13, 2008

Born:

, 

Georgia

Home:

Fort Oglethorpe

, 

Georgia

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

John Donaldson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1944. He retired in 1974 as a U.S. Army Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the Americal Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    11th Infantry Brigade (Light)

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Brigadier General Donaldson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding General of the 11th Infantry Brigade (Light), and subsequently as Chief of Staff of the 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against the enemy in 1969 and 1970. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Brigadier General Donaldson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1966 – 1967
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, 7th Infantry Division, Korea, from 1966 to 1967.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff – Staff Group[, from 1967 to 1968.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    11th Infantry Brigade (Light)

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    1969 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Brigadier General Donaldson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding General of the 11th Infantry Brigade (Light), 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against the enemy in 1969. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Brigadier General Donaldson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1972 – 1974
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Defense AttachŽ, in France, from 1972 to 1974.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1970 – 1971
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the J-5, Plans and Policy Directorate, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 1970 to 1971.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 11th Brigade, and as Chief of Staff and Assistant Division Commander, Americal Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, from 1968 to 1970.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 11th Brigade, and as Chief of Staff and Assistant Division Commander, Americal Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, from 1968 to 1970.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General John Willson Donaldson, United States Army, was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the Americal Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.