DONALD H. SPANGLER, LTJG, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Donald Spangler '42

Date of birth: May 29, 1918

Date of death: November 13, 1942

Age: 24

Lucky Bag

From the 1942 Lucky Bag:

1942 Spangler LB.jpg

DONALD HAYS SPANGLER

Albion, Indiana

Don, Red, Spang

Don long ago secured a hold on life that has since kept it well in hand. He has never worried about what might happen; he has it all figured out. Four years ago he picked his career and his girl. Now there's nothing in do but wait… the battle is two-thirds won. One stubborn enough not to play traitor to his red hair, and one never unprepared, Don is a lad who will do his own driving in life—with no wrong turns.

Battalion Tennis; 1 Stripe.


The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.

1942 Spangler LB.jpg

DONALD HAYS SPANGLER

Albion, Indiana

Don, Red, Spang

Don long ago secured a hold on life that has since kept it well in hand. He has never worried about what might happen; he has it all figured out. Four years ago he picked his career and his girl. Now there's nothing in do but wait… the battle is two-thirds won. One stubborn enough not to play traitor to his red hair, and one never unprepared, Don is a lad who will do his own driving in life—with no wrong turns.

Battalion Tennis; 1 Stripe.


The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.

Loss

Donald was lost when USS Atlanta (CL 51) was sunk on November 13, 1942 during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Donald graduated from Albion high school. His father was an attorney, and his brother Robert was in the U. S. Merchant Marine.

He has a memory marker in Indiana.

Note: It's unclear why Donald's name is out of chronological order with his classmates in Memorial Hall.

Photographs

Namesake

USS Spangler (DE 696) was named for Donald; the ship was sponsored by his mother, Mrs. Myrtle Spangler.


Class of 1942

Donald is one of 82 members of the Class of 1942 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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