World War II Honoree

Donald E. Ainsworth

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Hollywood, California

Honored By

Donald E. Ainsworth

Pre-WWII U.S. Navy duty aboard heavy cruiser USS Tuscaloosa CA-37. One sea duty cruise of 4 years and honorably discharged on 30 August 1939. Returned to civilian life on 1 September 1939 -- the start of WWII in Europe. I went to work for a defense plant, Douglas Air Craft in Southern California. I worked at Douglas Aircraft as an aircraft DC-3, DC-5 production lead-man for approximately 4 years. After December 7, 1941, my job was frozen by the 'war' production board as a critical defense department job classification. In this position, I provided on-the-job training for future 'Rosie Riveters'. In 1944, I was released from my War Department assignment and immediately re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy. I was assigned to the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS) Squadron VR-4 and VR-12. In 1946, I was honorably discharged and returned to civilian life. I returned to Douglas Aircraft Company and received my G.I. benefits, then went back to school on the G.I. Bill.