World War II Honoree

Donald McPherrin Weller

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Hartford, Connecticut

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

He participated in the Bougainville Campaign, Recapture of Guam, and the Battle of Iwo Jima. He helped plan and served as a naval gun officer for Task Force 51 at Iwo Jima. In June 1945, he was appointed Chief of the Naval Gunfire Section within Troop Training Unit, Training Command, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet at Coronado, California. He was recognized as a pioneer of Naval gunfire support. Received Legion of Merit with Combat 'V', Bronze Star Medal with one 5/16" gold state and Combat 'V', Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Navy Unit Commendation, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four 3/16" service stars, and WWII Victory Medal.