#VeteranOfTheDay Coast Guard Veteran Donald Dewar

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Coast Guard Veteran Donald Dewar. Donald served during World War II from 1942-1945.

In an interview with the Veteran’s History Project, Donald describes being sent to Curtis Bay, Maryland for training after joining the Coast Guard in 1942. He spent several months in Maryland before being deployed on the USS Joseph T. Dickman.

Donald’s first mission was the invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. He was part of a crew that landed on Utah Beach. Donald’s boat made several trips between Utah Beach and the larger ships farther offshore, transporting additional soldiers the beach. Donald’s ship also rescued crew members of other ships hit by enemy fire.

After D-Day, Donald was deployed to England, Scotland, Africa, Pearl Harbor and Okinawa. He was part of an effort made to bring Allied soldiers being held as prisoners of war back to the United States.

Donald was married in 1942 and founded a manufacturing service company with his wife. Donald passed away on March 20, 2013.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.