The best way to begin articulating the life of Don Troxell, born on June 22, 1947, is to relate the words of a classmate: “Don was killed in action in Vietnam in May 1967. He made the ultimate sacrifice. His service to country should never be forgotten. He was a true hero to all ofus who had the honor to have known him.”
While at SHS Don played football, ran track, served on Student Council and was a member of the Scarlet S staff. Afterward he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Don arrived in Vietnam in mid-April 1967. On May 22 his unit moved into the field. A few days later Private First Class Don Troxell found himself in combat as an anti-tank assaultman. On May 26 enemy mortar shrapnel struck his neck, mortally wounding him. He received immediate medical assistance but died within a few minutes. He was 19 years old.
Wrote Lt. Col. C.B. Webster, commanding officer of Don’s unit, to his parents: “Donald’s cheerful disposition and devotion to duty gained the respect and admiration of all who knew him, and he had many friends among his fellow Marines.”
From the Marine Corps, medals presented to Don’s parents were the Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal, South Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Medal. From the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) Don was posthumously awarded the Military Merit Medal and Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Nominator: Howard “Butch” Wilcox ’66 Standing in: Connie Troxell Wright ’62 Presenter: Rod Troxell ’67