Donald Elvin was born in Cloverland, Asotin county, WA on 04 Nov 1915. He was the son of Earl Vondon and Ann Caroline "Anna" Mitchell Halsey who married on 03 Oct 1913 in Asotin County, WA. Donald's siblings were Wilma Cora and Delbert Wayne "Pete" Halsey. Delbert became a navy carrier based dive bomber pilot with Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) on board Enterprise. He saw combat in all four of the early war raids by Enterprise. His squadron attacked Japanese Aircraft carrier Kaga and Akagi during the Battle of Midway, 04 Jun 1942. Ensign Halsey's plane ran out of fuel on the way back to the carrier. He was last seen getting into his life raft with his radioman/gunner, but they were never found. He was awarded the Navy Cross.

Donald graduated from Baker High School, Baker, MT on 24 May 1934 during commencement exercises held at the Lake Theater with 37 other graduates. He married Everal Irene Stenerson on 28 Jun 1937 in Longview, Cowlitz, WA. In Dec 1940, Donald was placed in draft category 3-A as having dependents. He was a shipyard worker in Portland, OR and as such he had a military service deferment. However, he had to do more for his country, so he enlisted in the US Army (ASN:39472050) at Ft. Lewis, WA on 21 March 1944. He went overseas in Sept 1944. He was assigned to the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. He was killed in action in Germany on 19 Mar 1945. PFC Halsey was buried in the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium. Plot F Row 6 Grave 52

Donald was awarded (Posthumously) the Purple Heart, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon.

After the war ended, Everal married Howard Earl Brauning, a WWII navy veteran, on 20 Apr 1946 in Pierce County, WA. Two children, Dann Douglas and Vann Howard Brauning, were born to this union. Everal Irene Brauning died 22 Sep 1998 in Eureka, Humboldt, CA

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His family also received a personal commemoration from President Harry S Truman. It reads: In grateful memory of Donald Elvin Halsey, who died in the service of his country, Germany, European Area, ATTACHED US ARMY, NINTH Infantry Division, 19 March 1945. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.

(Signed) Harry S. Truman,

President of the United States

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Bio #189 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)

Military Hall of Honor #81631

Find a Grave Memorial #56281757

Donald E Halsey