World War II Honoree

Donald Chavez

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Socorro, New Mexico

Honored By

Christine A. Chavez

Relationship

Daughter

Arrived in Pearl Harbor. Was aboard the USS Atlanta during action against Japanese forces off Guadalcanal Island, November 12-13, 1942. Ship was struck by one torpedo and forty nine shells after sinking an enemy destroyer and hitting a cruiser which later went down. Remained in battle with one third of her crew missing or killed. Was aboard a life raft for five days and five nights until being rescued. Not wounded. Received the Presidential Unit Citation while serving aboard the USS Atlanta. Also received American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with Silver Star), and the World War II Victory Medal. Honorable discharge September 21, 1945.