Don C. Hempstead Full Narrative

Don Carlos Hempstead was born and raised in Spokane, Washington.  He entered WSC in 1940 as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve, majoring in Electrical Engineering while actively engaging in campus social life.  In 1941 Hempstead was mobilized and served in the Pacific Theater as a second lieutenant.  In February 1944, even though seriously wounded, he successfully led his platoon in warding off Japanese counterattacks in fierce hand-to-hand combat during the landing on Parry Island.  He was awarded a Navy Cross for his heroic leadership.  Sadly, Hempstead died of his wounds in July 1944.