Donovan K. Webster
b. 6 Jan 1931 in Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas
d. 14 Jan 2008 in Paul, Minidoka, Idaho
Donovan was my father-in-law. He grew up on a farm in Elk County Kansas until he was drafted into the Army in 1951 for the Korean War. After basic training at Camp Crowder, he was sent to Camp Chaffee in Arkansas to become part of a Field Artillery unit operating the 155mm Howitzer in the Fifth Armored Division. One of the major battles Donovan was involved with was the intense battle of White Horse Mountain—which was a monumental historical battle that prevented the North Koreans from streaming into the South Korean peninsula. He recalled his artillery unit firing non-stop day and night for seven days straight. When the barrel of the artillery piece got too hot from firing continuously, it would quickly be changed out with another barrel for continued firing. He recalled being able to somehow sleep just 20 yards behind the big guns as they were firing! Donovan received the Korean Service Medal with two service stars and the United Nations Service Medal for Korea. After the war, he was active in the American Legion Post 77 in Paul, Idaho, for many years. Despite the many hardships Donovan experienced during the Korean War, he never talked much about them except when asked directly—always humble. He was proud to have served his country and was always a true patriot. I am equally as proud of my father-in-law, Donovan K. Webster.
Submitted by Curtis Jones
Posted by Ron Setzer
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