Donald Reichelt
BIG SANDY, CO - Tuesday, June 20th, 2006 Donald LeRoy Reichelt, 88, a World War II veteran and retired farmer, died after a brief illness Monday, June 19, 2006, at the Big Sandy Medical Center. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Community Church of God in Big Sandy. Donald was born Aug. 25, 1917, in Big Sandy. He attended school in Big Sandy. As many young men did at the time, Donald went to the Civilian Conservation Corp. in the spring of 1936. In 1941, he was drafted into the Army and was assigned to the Air Corps where he was part of 353rd Bomb Squadron (B-17’s). Donald proudly served in England, Italy, and North Africa. He enjoyed attending reunions of his Army friends at different locations around the country. Just recently Donald got to ride in a B-17 that was in Billings. Even with his failing health, he was very glad that he had made the trip to Billings to be able to see and ride in a B-17 one more time. After being honorably discharged from the army, Donald returned to Big Sandy and farmed west of town for many years. Don served on the Big Sandy School Board for many years and was able to present each of his seven children with their high school diploma. Donald loved his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always had time for each and every one of them. Donald was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Hubert, Maurice, Clyde, Kenneth and Eugene. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Erma (Buchholz) of Big Sandy; sons, Russell (Elaine) Reichelt of Yuma, Ariz., Les (Lisa) Reichelt of Phoenix, Ariz., Verlin (Patty) Reichelt of Big Sandy, Curt (Janice) of Whitewater and John Reichelt of Billings; daughters, Lenore (Earl) Marx of Big Sandy and Corinne (Dave) of St. Louis, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Raymond Reichelt of Fort Benton and Calvin Reichelt of Lynnwood, Wash.; sister, Mardella Jordan of Bozeman; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Sgt. Donald L Reichelt was assigned to the 301st BG 353rd Squadron.
The following information on Donald Reichelt is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on Sgt. Reichelt. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Donald Reichelt's military record please contact us.
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Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Donald Reichelt |
Sgt. |
1372 |
03/13/1945 |
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BS |
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4/6/1943 Donald was listed on a roster of personnel assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group on this date, 6 April 1943, when they were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). 2/25/1944 Donald was listed on a roster of personnel assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group on this date, 25 Feb. 1944, when they were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). PUC 4/6/1943 Donald was listed on a roster of personnel assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group on this date, 6 April 1943, when they were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). PUC
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