By 1937 Donald had progressed to the rank of Sergeant and
held the position of Platoon, Supply and First Sergeant in Troop K,
at which time he applied for an officer's commission in the New York
Guard. He held all the necessary qualifications for the commission
except one, he was a Canadian Citizen. After two years of correspondence
and assistance from friends, lawyers and his employer he became a
US citizen in March of 1939 and in December was commissioned as a
Second Lieutenant in the New York National Guard.
A whole new
world opened up for Donald in April of 1942 when he was selected as
Aide-De-camp to Brigadier General Edward Almond who was in command
of the US 92nd Infantry Division. He held various leadership
roles through its activation roles, training, overseas deployment,
combat and its deactivication in November of 1945. During that
time he had been highly decorated and had become a Lieutenant
Colonel. During the next nineteen years he continued to serve his
country with distinction in various areas in support of the "Cold
War". His final assignment prior to retirement was Cammander,
New Mexico-West Texas Sector, VII USA 4th US Army.Donald and Ginny
retired to a ranch style home on the northern edge of Albuquerque,
New Mexico in March of 1964. They both enjoyed their home with their
horses and other animls, visits with family and friends.
1948; Awarded the Order of the
British Empire, preseted by
General Montgomery for
British Empire, preseted by
General Montgomery for
perfomances as faculty adviser and US Exchange
Student at Camberly, England.
Donald suffered
a great loss in November of 1974 when "Ginny" unexpectedly passed
away. His recovery from Ginny loss was only possible because
of his by the love and support from his children and grand-children.
Colonel Donald MacWillie died on May 12th, 2003. Donald
was laid to rest next to his wife at the Santa Fe National Cemetery
in New Mexico in sec. AX, grave #162.
This author first came
into contact with Donald around 1980 when he approached us seeking
information connected with McWillie family history. Donald had always
held a great interest in family research having travelled to Scotland
seeking out the family history. Over the years we became friends and
hold many fine memories of visits with my wife Jane and I to his home
in Albuquerque. We remained in contact with Donald on a regular bases
up until the time of his passing during which time we exchanged research
material on various research projects and held long discussions on
a number of items as two retired army veterans would do. At the time
of his passing we felt we had lost a long and faithful friend.
Robert McWillie.
Robert McWillie.
Standing Don Jr.,Don 111
Sitting; The Colonel, Don sr.
and Don 1V.
Individual stories