Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Donald
Volney
Rattan

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Donald Rattan graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1945. He retired in 1979 as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1975 – 1979
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Donald Volney Rattan, 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 Deputy Commanding General, FIFTH Army, from 1975 to 1979.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Mobile Training Team, Republic of Congo

    Action Date:

    August 19, 1964
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (December 9, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Donald Volney Rattan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the the Republic of Congo, on 19 August 1964, while serving as Chief Observer of a Mobile Training Team during a violent uprising in the Republic of Congo. Colonel Rattan was participating in a reconnaissance mission with three other members of a joint team when they were suddenly attacked by an overwhelming force of Congolese rebels. Upon sustaining gunfire damage to his vehicle, he immediately directed the members of the team to flee to safety while he remained in his position, acting as a decoy although armed merely with a rifle in opposition to the onslaught of twelve hostile warriors wielding automatic weapons. Despite the extreme danger, he steadfastly covered the withdrawal of the team through two kilometers of hazardous terrain and succeeded in keeping the hostile force pinned down until his associates were hidden safely in the dense bush. Through his determination, indomitable courage, and complete disregard for his own safety to protect the lives of his fellow men, he prevented possible casualties and capture of the team. Colonel Rattan’s conspicuous gallantry in action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    1st Brigade

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) Donald Volney Rattan, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    1st Brigade

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    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 Colonel (Infantry) Donald Volney Rattan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Rattan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against the enemy in 1966 and 1967. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Rattan, 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:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) Donald Volney Rattan, 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 Commanding Officer, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    1st Brigade

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1968
    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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Donald Volney Rattan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Rattan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against the enemy in 1966 and 1967. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Rattan, 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.