Donald W. Mullens
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 21 March 1945, Private First Class Donald W. Mullens was serving with Company E, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army, in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

On that day, PFC Mullens’ unit was in action against Japanese forces while pushing up the Villa Verde Trail toward Imugan, Luzon. PFC Mullens’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Donald W. Mullens (ASN: 37527078), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 March 1945. Private First Class Mullens' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 204 (1945)

Burial

Private First Class Donald W. Mullens is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot A, Row 11, Grave 14.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56762384/donald-w-mullens