Donald Laverne Solem
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
SOLEM, Donald Laverne
Donald Laverne Solem was born on November 28th 1926 to Ole & Ebba Solem in St. Paul, Minnesota. The family moved to Rice Lake, Minnesota when Don was 4 years old to live off the land during the depression. He attended school at the Beyer School, Homecroft, and Central High School.
Mr. Solem left high school to enlist in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was too young to enlist so his Mom had to sign his enlistment papers. While waiting to be called up, he decided to join the Navy where he was immediately called to service in 1944. He attended boot camp at Farragut, Idaho.
Seaman Solem went on to proudly serve on the USS Saratoga (CV3) in the South Pacific. Upon his honorable discharge, he had risen to the rank of Commander Third Class (CM3/c). He had also served aboard the USS Andomeda (AKA-15).
After the war, Don returned to Duluth where he married Shirley Ann [Jensen] and they started a family Solem Dad, he joined the Carpenter’s Union and began his career in construction.
In 1960, he was a “Plank Owner” in the formation of Coast Guard Reserve Duluth, advancing in rank, retiring as Commander. Don came out of retirement to proudly supervise the construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Duluth’s Lakewalk. He was very proud the Memorial was built with all volunteer trades workers and was honored to be part of its construction.
Donald Laverne Solem passed away peacefully at his home in Rice Lake on March 31st 2022 at the age of 95. He is buried and Sunrise Home Cemetery.
Source(s): Duluth News Tribune
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 79 WWII Navy Muster Rolls - Fold3
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 - Ancestry.com
Donald L. Solem - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
