35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SGT Donald L. Wheeler    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Able Company
35th Infantry Regiment
Korean War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal United Nations Korean Service Medal Republic of Korea War Service Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SGT Donald L. Wheeler, RA16265828, who died in the service of his country on September 20th, 1950 in South Korea. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Donald was 23 years of age. He was from Jackson, Michigan. Donald's Military Occupation Specialty was 4745-Light Weapons Infantryman.

The decorations earned by SGT Donald L. Wheeler include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.


Sergeant Wheeler was a member of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on September 20, 1950. Sergeant Wheeler was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

He was my Squad Leader when he was killed. I had great admiration for him despite only knowing him since Aug. 19, 1950; only 3 weeks before his death. I will always remember him as will all those who knew him. He was a good soldier and a well liked soldier and leader. He would have advanced very fast in the ranks. I have been in touch with our Company Comander, Lt. and later Capt. Sidney B. Berry, later to retire as Lt. Gen, and I know he agrees. Alex Harkness

Burial: Woodland Cemetery, Jackson, MI.