Donald W. Wolf
Encyclopedia
Donald William Wolf was an American sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps
during World War II
and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Wolf, born in Hart, Michigan
, enlisted in the Marine Corps December 5, 1939. He was killed in action during the Battle of Guadalcanal at the second battle of Mantanikau. He shared in the Presidential Unit Citation
awarded the 1st Marine Division and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
for leading his platoon
in hand-to-hand combat against an overwhelming enemy attacking force.
USS Donald W. Wolf (APD-129)
was named in his honor.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Wolf, born in Hart, Michigan
Hart, Michigan
Hart is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 1,950. It is the county seat of Oceana County. The city is located within Hart Township, but is politically independent....
, enlisted in the Marine Corps December 5, 1939. He was killed in action during the Battle of Guadalcanal at the second battle of Mantanikau. He shared in the Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation (US)
The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941...
awarded the 1st Marine Division and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for leading his platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
in hand-to-hand combat against an overwhelming enemy attacking force.
Namesake
In 1944, the high speed transportHigh speed transport
High Speed Transports were converted destroyers and destroyer escorts used to support amphibious operations in World War II and afterward. They received the US Hull classification symbol APD; "AP" for transport and "D" for destroyer....
USS Donald W. Wolf (APD-129)
USS Donald W. Wolf (APD-129)
USS Donald W. Wolf was a of the United States Navy, named for Sergeant Donald W. Wolf , USMC, who was posthoumously awarded the Navy Cross after being killed in action in the Battle of Guadalcanal....
was named in his honor.