World War II Honoree

Donald Vincent Moreno

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Honored By

Gina Moreno Wilson

Relationship

Daughter

PLATOON LEADER IN SAN DIEGO BEFORE BEING DEPLOYED ON THE CARRIER USS RANGER FOR REMAINDER OF WAR. SERVED ON THE FLIGHT DECK, BRAVELY WORKING TO HELP PILOTS MAKE SAFE TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS IN DIFFICULT CONDITIONS AND INCLEMENT WEATHER. NEARLY LOST HIS OWN LIFE AS A PLANE MISSED THE HOOK AND SLID OVER HIM AS HE CLUNG TO A GUN ON THE CATWALK, WAITING FOR HELP. HE WAS ONE OF THE FEW FROM THE RANKS OFFERED AN APPOINTMENT TO ANNAPOLIS AFTER THE WAR.