The City of Fort Collins Recreation Department and Golden K Kiwanis Club sponsored their annual Veterans Day breakfast at the Fort Collins Senior Center. Over 150 veterans and their spouses attended the event.
A breakfast program included a color guard presentation, the Cordial Invitations Barbershop Quartet, introductions by city staffer Ashley Ruffer and the Golden K Kiwanis Club. An award was presented to WWII veteran Donald McCarthy (in center) by Mayor Wade Troxell and the city staff as shown in the photo. The city presented him with a gift card and a beautiful wooden box that said, “thank you” and police services presented him with their challenge coin.
Don enlisted in the Army Air Corp Aviation Cadet Program in 1942. He attended navigation training and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1944, he and the crew flew their B-24 Liberator bomber to England for the 446 Bomb Group part of the 8th Air Force.
Don flew 30 combat missions over Germany and France. He completed his tour in 1945 and was reassigned to Okinawa, but the Japanese surrendered, and the President grounded all Pacific airmen who completed a combat tour pending separation from the service. After the war ended, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 1947. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals.
Don worked as a draftsman, technical engineer, tolling and materials buyer, tool buyer, and purchasing agent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Don completed his degree in Applied Science. In 2017, he retired to Arizona and then moved to Colorado to enjoy retirement there. Congratulations Don and thanks to you and all veterans for your service!