World War II Honoree

Donald L. Hinmon

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Redland, California

Honored By

Don and Caroline Hinmon

Relationship

Son and daughter-in-law

He began basic training at Camp White, Oregon in August of 1942, went to Fort Sill-Oklahoma; Camp Howze-Texas; Camp Shanks- New York and on July 1 sailed for Europe. The unit landed on Utah Beach on August 24, 1944. He served as a captain in the 242nd Field Artillery Battalion, Battery C, which was attached to various Infantry Divisions of the XX Corps, 7th Army, 6th Army Group and fought in the Ardennes-Alsace, (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. At the end of the war a German Colonel initially refused to surrender to Captain Hinmon, who then said ”Okay, go back to the German side. We have plenty of ammunition left”. The German then surrendered. He was awarded The Bronze Star; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars and the WWII Victory Medal. CITATION Bronze Star Medal Captain Donald L Hinmon field artillery FA, 242 field artillery battalion for a meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in France between 21 January 1945 and 27 January 1945. Captain Hinmon while serving as assistant battalion S –3, exhibited outstanding leadership and organizational ability in the performance of his duties and able coordination of all functions under his control, contributed greatly to the success of many missions and as in keeping with the high traditions of the Army, entered military service from California, Major General Walton H. Walker, Commanding Officer.