12 Armored Div. 66 Infantry Battalion, A Co, European Theater
“My father Donald Orwin, was initially assigned desk duty when he enlisted because of his poor eyesight. One day his own paperwork came across his desk. He reassigned himself to the frontline to protect our country.” -Phyllis Lawson, Somerset
He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, beginning his service in the Army Special Training Program before transferring to the Infantry. During his time in Europe, he saw active combat, was captured by German forces, and endured time as a Prisoner of War. After being rescued by the British, he completed his enlistment by joining a bond-selling tour with the Army Band, which concluded with a performance at Carnegie Hall. For his bravery and service, he received the American Theater Ribbon, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Bronze Star. He later became an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a lifetime member of the American Legion.
