Donald B. Doig
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Donald B. Doig entered the Naval Reserve in August 1944.
He served as a Fireman 1st Class aboard the destroyer USS Walke (DD 723) and USS Yosemite (AD 19) in the Pacific Theater. He was assigned to radar picket duty in Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands.
In his words: "The (Japanese) suicide planes seemed to be in the air at all times with morning and evening general quarters (battle stations) being normal. The 5-inch gun crews were living in the mounts when at sea.
"We escaped and went on a patrol in the China Sea. We were sent to the Philippines for refitting. On the way, we came across the smoke of the destroyer escort Underhill.
"We buried the three Americans that we could find and chased the sub. While in the Philippines, the Japs asked for peace and no more A-bombs.
"I was transferred to the Yosemite and we proceeded to Sasebo and in March to Brooklyn, New York."
Mr. Doig was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with five bronze battle stars.
He was separated on June 12, 1946.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 69.
