<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
</head>
<body>
<p><em>Peter Francis “Pete” Donnell</em>—a wonderfully bright, caring and soft-spoken man—had his life taken in brutal combat at a very early age. On April 26, 1968, his life ended, heroically, on a battlefield in Vietnam.</p>
<p>Pete was from a military family, and (like all kids in military families) he lived in many different places. He was born in New York City, but only lived there for a very short time. At age 5 he started first grade at the Miraflores Elementary School, Panama Canal Zone, and graduated from the Orleans American High School, Orleans, France at age 17.</p>
<p>Pete’s younger sister, Kerry, reports that, as a kid, he was an extraordinarily good big brother. Always thoughtful, he refused to play baseball with his friends unless she was included on the team.</p>
<p>During high school, he demonstrated his leadership and athletic ability. He was president of the student council, V.P. of the senior class, sports editor of the annual, and he lettered in varsity basketball. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Maryland at its global campus in Frankfurt, Germany for one year before returning to the States. He then went to the University of Virginia for a year. The desire for a military career was in Pete’s blood, and he enrolled in the USMA Prep School at Fort Belvoir, VA. Pete’s family lived close by, and, as an example of his kindness, he invited his whole class to his family’s house for a home-cooked meal. His mother knew she’d be feeding a bunch of hungry men but was still surprised when a bus pulled up with approximately 25 guys.</p>
<p>In July 1962, Pete headed off to West Point to join the USMA Class of 1966. He is remembered as a soft-spoken, avid sports fan and a “terror” at bridge. He loved public speaking and was a four-year member of the Debate Council and Forum. Foreign travel was a high priority, and he was a member of three language clubs.</p>
<p>After graduation from West Point, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. He completed the airborne course at Fort Benning, GA on October 7, 1966. He completed the Redeye missile controller course at the U.S. Army Air Defense School, Fort Bliss, TX in January 1967. Back at Fort Campbell, Pete was very busy preparing the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division for deployment to Vietnam. During the infrequent leisure time, Pete was known for his card playing and reportedly took some poker money from the other lieutenants.</p>
<p>On November 24, 1967, Pete arrived at Bien Hoa, Vietnam; his initial assignment was with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. From February to the beginning of April he worked with the brigade S-3. He requested to go back to a platoon and was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion as the 3rd Platoon leader. According to letters written by Pete, his original deployed unit of 135 men had only 52 remaining, and he was one of three officers left. Pete was KIA on April 26, 1968 during combat operations to the northwest of Hue. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device with the following citation: “For heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on April 26, 1968: First Lieutenant Donnell distinguished himself on a combat operation near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. His company was engaged with an undetermined size enemy force. His platoon was at the front of the advance, and one man was wounded by the initial burst and, as the firing continued, two men were hit by sniper fire. Lieutenant Donnell quickly moved up to the third squad to help support his men. As he entered the area of contact, Lieutenant Donnell received a great deal of fire and was forced to seek cover with a number of other men. He positioned himself so that he could see where the firing was coming from and to be able to coordinate the movements of his men. Knowing that the wounded men were in the third squad, Lieutenant Donnell began to crawl over to the men despite the incessant fire that was all around him. While trying to get the men to fire on the enemy, Lieutenant Donnell was severely wounded. He was able to make it to covered area with the aid of a medic and, despite his protests, was evacuated from the field. Lieutenant Donnell’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” This was part of Operation Carentan II. He was 25.</p>
<p>Pete’s medals include the Bronze Star (oak leaf cluster), Bronze Star with “V” device, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Airborne Badge, National Order of Vietnam Fifth Class, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Rifleman Badge with rifle clasp, and Good Conduct Medal.</p>
<p>During Pete’s time in Vietnam, his sweetheart, Mary Kay, was teaching second grade. Her students sent “Lieutenant Peter” letters and Valentine’s cards. A little boy named Luke wrote a tribute about being a soldier:</p>
<p><em>A Soldier is a great man to all.</em><br /><em>He is what I want to be.</em><br /><em>A Soldier is a very proud man or boy.</em><br /><em>He sometimes goes to heaven like Lt. Peter.</em><br /><em>He fought for Peace.</em><br /><em>He fought for his flag.</em><br /><em>He fought for his country.</em><br /><em>I want to be like him because he tried so hard.</em></p>
<p>Peter Donnell was a terrific guy whose life was severely cut short. Only your imagination can conjure the accomplishments that could have been. I am proud to be your classmate, Pete.</p>
<p><em>— Tom Dusel ’66</em></p>
</body>
</html>