Don joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific. Don served on many troop transports, also piloting a Higgins Boat during the assault on Iwo Jima. For a short time, he was stationed out of Pearl Harbor and fell in love with Hawaii returning many times over the next 60 years. Don was discharged from the Navy in April 1946, as Seaman First Class. Along with his service in World War II, he served in the Sioux City Army National Guard for 30 years and served a tour in South Vietnam in 1968-69.

 Don was a member of the American Legion Post 662 and past commander.