Donald was born May 16th 1923 in Anoka Minnesota
and was raised in White River South Dakota.
Donald was part of a large family.
Donald in 1925
In 1934 the Hales moved to Gerber, California. Donald was eleven.
That's Donald in front.
Donald attended Los Molinos High School.
Donald with his dog ,circa 1940.
In April of 1942 Donald enlisted in the U.S.Navy. He received basic training in San Diego, California. He volunteered for submarine duty and was trained as a torpedo man.
Picture on left is a painting he had done in Hawaii. On the right is a photo Grandma had.
Sorry, but these are all I have. He was much better looking than this.
Before you send your sons and daughters off to War be sure to get good pictures.
He was assigned to the submarine TRITON, SS 201.
TRITON made 6 patrols in the Pacific, Donald was on board for the 5th and 6th.
The TRITON was one of Americas best submarines. On the 5th and 6th patrols they
were working out of Brisbane Harbor, Australia hunting Japanese shipping.
They last left Brisbane on February 16, 1943 on their last patrol. They
were to patrol
just off New Guinea just south of the equator. She found and sank 4 enemy ships.
TRITON's Last Message from LT. CDR. George K. MacKenzie, Jr.: "Two groups of
smokes, 5 or more ships each, plus escorts (11 March 1943) Am chasing"
The U.S.Navy reported that they were sunk by enemy destroyers on March 15th but they were not declared missing in action until May 10th, 1943. All 74 crew members were lost.
This message is credited to Admiral "Bull"
Halsey
"TRULY BITTER PILL IS THE LOSS OF THE
TRITON.
A WONDERFUL SHIP MANNED BY A MAGNIFICENT CREW WHICH HAS BEEN OUTSTANDINGLY SUCCESSFUL FROM
THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR AND HAS INFLICTED IRREPARABLE DAMAGE ON THE ENEMY. MACKENZIE
MAINTAINED THE HIGH STANDARD SET BY HIS SKILLFUL PREDECESSORS LENT AND KIRKPATRICK.
CARRYING ON WITHOUT THE TRITON MEANS THAT EACH OF US WILL HAVE TO FIGHT HARDER WITH HER
DEEDS AS AN INSPIRATION."
This is the last known picture of the TRITON's crew.
It was taken in Honolulu just before she left for Brisbane.
Lord, this departed shipmate with dolphins on his chest is part of an outfit known as the best.
Make him welcome and take him by the hand. You'll find without a doubt he was the best in all the land.
So, heavenly Father add his name to the roll of our departed shipmates still on patrol.
Let them know that we who survive will always keep their memories alive.
(and we are)
More Hale Pictures Back to Northstateweb
On Eternal Patrol
Great website about all submariners lost
Page last updated 6/4/2008