aptain Don Everett Packham (Ret.) completed his final mission on this earth and returned home to base April 16, 2020. He was born November 7, 1920 and passed peacefully in his home in Hemet, California at the age of 99. When World War II broke out, Don was not drafted because he was needed on the family farm. Nonetheless, in September 1942, he decided to enlist in the Army Air Corps. D-Day was June 6, 1944 and on the 4th of July Don was sailing on a troop transport ship headed for Europe where he would serve in the 367th Fighter Group. He flew P38s and P47s on 71 combat missions and 135 sorties, including flying on Christmas Day during the “Battle of the Bulge.”After completing his tour of duty, Don accepted an additional mission on April 25, 1945. On this mission, his plane was shot down over Germany. He was wounded but was able to bail out before his plane crashed. He was taken as a prisoner of war for three days before being liberated by the US Army. War in Europe ended on May 8, 1945. Don was honorably discharged, having earned a Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, and European Theater Ribbon with Battle Stars. Don married Mary Lowrimore July 8, 1945. Don Don was active in the Rotary Club and American Legion. He served one term as President of the San Jacinto Rotary Club.