This Memorial Day weekend, the Town of Hamilton remembers one of our own — Lt. Col. Donald Donaldson, whose bravery during World War II exemplified the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.
Born on Pleasant Street and raised at 132 Asbury St., Donald Donaldson spent his early years walking the same tree-lined roads and attending the local grammar schools. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1931, setting out on a path of military service that would eventually place him on the front lines of history.
During World War II, Lt. Col. Donaldson served as a battalion commander in General George S. Patton’s Third Army — a fellow Hamilton hero — and played a pivotal role in the Allied invasion of Europe. His unit came ashore at Utah Beach, part of the massive D-Day operations that marked the beginning of the end for Nazi-occupied Europe.
Tragically, Lt. Col. Donaldson was killed in action outside Loué, France. While studying a map on the hood of his jeep, he was struck down by a German sniper. The fire came from the woods, as German forces advanced eastward from the city of Laval. His uniform and officer regalia likely marked him as a high-value target. It was a moment of grave loss — not just for the men he led, but for the hometown that had shaped him.
In recognition of his valor, Lt. Col. Donaldson received numerous awards, including the WWII Victory Medal, the Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, the Army Presidential Unit Citation, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. His name is forever etched into a monument in Église, France — a tribute from the French people to American and French soldiers who fought and died to liberate their homeland. Among those honored is Donaldson, who died during the liberation of Loue.
This Memorial Day weekend, as we gather to remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation, we remember Lt. Col. Donald Donaldson for his military achievements and his connection to our community.
Let us remember him with honor and give thanks for the sacrifices of the men and women who died in the name of freedom this Memorial Day.
If you would like to support our veterans in Hamilton this Memorial Day weekend, contact the A.P. Gardner American Legion Post 194 at [email protected] or contact Cape Ann Veterans Services, which serves Gloucester, Rockport, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Hamilton to assist veterans and their families with resources.
Special thanks to the Hamilton Historical Society for sharing this story with the Communications team. Check out their latest newsletter for their coverage on the monument in France.
Reminder: The 2025 Annual Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 26, beginning at 8:30 A.M. at 624 Bay Road.
