Donald J. Young ’45

Don was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. He attended Andover Academy. At Princeton he wrestled, was in championship intramural tennis, the Literary Club, and the International Relations Club, and was vice president of Quadrangle Club.

During World War II Don was a mortar squad leader, sergeant, Army, 106th Division. He saw combat in England, France, and Germany and was taken prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge, surviving a serious shrapnel wound, the loss of a lung, and frostbite. He received the Purple Heart award and was a Veteran of Foreign Wars.

Don graduated summa cum laude from Princeton with a degree in English and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a master’s degree from Harvard. He married Viviane Armelle in 1956 and taught English at Williams College, The Webb School in Claremont, Calif., and Cabrillo College in Aptos, Calif.

His novels include December 1941, First 24 Hours of War in the Pacific, The Battle of Bataan, Final Hours in the Pacific, and The Lion’s Share. He also published Ascending Star and Other Stories, numerous poems, and several plays, which he produced at a local theater.

Don was well known for his quick wit and sweet and generous personality.

Don died Oct. 22, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Viviane; children Mamiche, Jeffrey, and Michael; grandchildren Patricia, Silvia, and Paul; and brother Peter.