DONNIE L. DARROW, MAJ, USMC
Donnie Darrow '60
Lucky Bag
From the 1960 Lucky Bag:
DONNIE LEN DARROW
Lebanon, Missouri
The "man from Missouri," Don has for four years twisted the "show me" motto into showing us just how much one man can accomplish during his stay here. Never very talkative, when he said something it was listened to and acted upon, The people who will miss him most are the track coaches and fans. For four years as Navy's outstanding quarter-miler and mainstay of the mile-relay team, Don has brought in one victory after another for the Blue and Gold. As he goes into the Marines, we hope they can realize how much of a man they are getting.
He was also a company commander in 4th Battalion (fall).
DONNIE LEN DARROW
Lebanon, Missouri
The "man from Missouri," Don has for four years twisted the "show me" motto into showing us just how much one man can accomplish during his stay here. Never very talkative, when he said something it was listened to and acted upon, The people who will miss him most are the track coaches and fans. For four years as Navy's outstanding quarter-miler and mainstay of the mile-relay team, Don has brought in one victory after another for the Blue and Gold. As he goes into the Marines, we hope they can realize how much of a man they are getting.
He was also a company commander in 4th Battalion (fall).
Loss
Donnie was killed in action on November 30, 1967 when the UH-34D helicopter he was piloting crashed in Vietnam.
From USNA '60 Memorial Site (now defunct)
On 30 November 1967, an HMM-362 UH 34D disappeared during a flight from Marble Mountain Air Field to Phu Bai with the loss of four crewmen. Since the wreckage could not be located and there was no positive evidence regarding what had happened to the four crewmen, they were classed as Missing in Action and remained in that status for almost a year. On 22 November 1968 the wreckage of a UH34D was found at 16 nm east of Phu Bai by the 1st ARVN Division, 154th Regiment. The wreckage was identified as an HMM-362 aircraft missing since 30 November 1967. The remains of the four crewmen were found and removed to the mortuary at Da Nang. Marine Air Group 36 records
Other Information
From the April 1968 edition of Shipmate, via the (now defunct) USNA '60 Memorial Site:
Much to my distress, I received word in January that one of my other roommates, Donnie Darrow, has been reported missing in Vietnam since last November. He had just arrived about two weeks before and had the misfortune of having his helicopter shot down north of Da Nang. His wife Norma was notified that he is missing and that he was presumably captured by the North Vietnamese, although the information is rather inconclusive. Nevertheless, Norma, who moved with the three children to Jacksonville, NC, soon after Donnie left Monterey for Vietnam, is very optimistic and thinks all will turn out well. I know all our classmates sympathize with Norma in this period of uncertainty for her and share with her the hope that Donnie will return.
Donnie is buried in Missouri and listed at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He was survived by "his wife; Norma J Darrow, his 3 children, Deretha A, Donieta L and Lonnie L Darrow all of Havelock, NC and his father, Lee L Darrow of Lebanon, MO."
Photographs
Remembrances
From Wall of Faces:
Donnie graduated from Lebanon, MO High School, Class of 1955.
He was a star athlete in basketball and track. Donnie had the most beautiful left-handed jump shot and a wonderful smile for everyone. He was extremely well liked by all that knew him. Donnie may not be with us physically but he will always be with us in our memories. Rest in Peace Donnie. Your classmate, BILL KELLY, 2/11/01
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
