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Sally Steffel-Family
to remember
ZIEGLER, Donald Russell (Don), LT.
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Contact Info
Home Town Born in Toledo, resided in Defiance, OH
Last Address Burial: Riverside Cemetery Defiance Defiance County Ohio, USA
Lieutenant Donald Russell Ziegler USN FIGHTER PILOT WWII
He was born July 24, 1923, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Donald B. and Alma (Reiter) Ziegler. On Aug. 13, 1944, he married Ara Jean Treece, who died on Nov. 3, 2006. He was a laborer for ODOT and also worked for the Division of Wildlife in Williams County. He was a teacher at Miller City Schools and owned Hotel Wellington in Napoleon and Motel Westwood, Defiance. He was a member of Elks and Moose lodges, AMVETS, Eagles Aerie, Masonic Lodge and VFW Post of Defiance and Napoleon American Legion Post. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II with Admiral Halsey and the 3rd Fleet in the Pacific against the Japanese, at Okinawa and other combat missions. He was a fighter pilot with the VF Squadron. He got to enjoy the Honor Flight with the veterans to Washington, D.C., in July 2007. "Just being here today for this great event makes me feel good," said Defiance Ohio resident Don Ziegler, a night fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater. "Many who served are gone now. Some didn't even make it home." Don passed away that November.
He loved his family and friends and enjoyed traveling. Now he will be laid to rest with his loving wife, Ara Jean.
Other Comments:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the
U.S.S. HORNET
and her attached Air Groups participating in the following operations:
March 29 to May 1, 1944, Palau, Hollandia, Truk; June 11 to August 5, 1944, Mari- anas, Bonins, Yap; September 6 to 24, 1944, Philippines, Palau: AG-2 (VF-2, VB-2, VT-2, Part of VFN-76). October 10 to November 22, 1944, Ryukyus, Formosa, Philippines, Luzon; De- cember 14 to 16, 1944, Luzon; January 3 to 22, 1945, Philippines, Formosa, China Sea Ryukyus: AG-11 (VF-11 VB-11 VT-11). February 16 to June 10, 1945, Japan, Bonins, Ryukyus: AG-17 (F-17, VBF-17, VB-17 VT-17).
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION: "For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat in the Pacific War Area from March 29, 1944, to June 10, 1945. Operating continuously in the most forward areas, the USS HORNET and their air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Japanese fighting power; they provided air cover for our amphibious forces; they fiercely countered the enemy's aerial attacks and destroyed his planes; and they inflicted terrific losses on the Japanese in Fleet and merchant marine units sunk or damaged. Daring and dependable in combat, the HORNET with her gallant officers and men rendered loyal service in achieving the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire"
For the President,
Secretary of the Navy
James Vincent Forrestal
