Chief Engineman (SEAL) Donald McFaul, US Navy;
Received the Navy Cross postumously for his actions 20 December 1989, as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of SEAL Team 4, Golf Platoon, in Operation Just Cause during the incursion into Panama.
McFaul's platoon was part of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose mission was to block access to Paitilla Airfield to prevent Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega from escaping.
Golf Platoon was patrolling toward a hanger housing Noriega's aircraft when they came under heavy fire. Chief McFaul was killed as he carried a seriously wounded member of his platoon back to the perimeter.
The Arleigh Burke class destroyer McFaul was named for him.
From his citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Engineman Donald L. McFaul, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of Sea-Air-Land Team FOUR (SEAL-4), GOLF Platoon during Operation JUST CAUSE at Paitilla Airfield, Republic of Panama on 20 December 1989. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's platoon was an element of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose crucial mission was to deny to General Noriega and his associates the use of Paitilla Airfield as an avenue of escape from Panama. After insertion from sea by rubber raiding craft, Golf Platoon was patrolling toward their objective, a hangar housing General Noriega's aircraft, when they were engaged by heavy small arms fire. Realizing that most of the first squad, 25 meters north of his position, had been wounded, he left the relative safety of his own position in order to assist the wounded lying helplessly exposed. Under heavy enemy fire and with total disregard for his personal safety, Chief Petty Officer McFaul moved forward into the kill zone and began carrying a seriously wounded platoon member to safety. As he was nearing the safety of his own force's perimeter, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's heroic actions and courage under fire saved his teammate's life and were an inspiration for other acts of heroism as the assault force prevailed in this decisive battle. By his extraordinary bravery, personal sacrifice, and inspiring devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer McFaul reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Ship Named After Seal From Washington -- Donald Mcfaul Died In Panama Invasion
Seattle Times Staffand Wire Services
A Washington state man who died in the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama was honored yesterday as the Navy commissioned its newest missile destroyer, which was named for him.
The USS Donald McFaul, named for a Navy SEAL from Stanwood, was welcomed into the fleet in ceremonies at Garden City, Ga., outside Savannah.
Donald McFaul, a 32-year-old chief petty officer, died as American forces ousted Panamanian President Manuel Noriega in December 1989. McFaul was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross - the Navy's second-highest honor - for saving some wounded colleagues at a Panama airstrip.
Among the thousands present at yesterday's event were Navy Secretary John Dalton and U.S. Sens. Max Cleland, D-Ga., and Dan Coats, R-Ind.
"They came to see a piece of history made and they witnessed it and everybody felt extremely good about it," said Capt. Walter Buchanan, a Navy reservist spokesman.
Also planning to attend the event were relatives of McFaul, including a sister, Karie Tarte, of Stanwood, and McFaul's mother, Shirley Lee, of Sedro-Woolley. His survivors also include his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Megan.
McFaul, born in Orange County, Calif., graduated from high school in Bend, Ore., in 1974. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school. In 1977, he volunteered and was accepted into the Naval Special Warfare Community, undergoing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training in 1978.
Out of the service from 1985 to 1988, he worked in engine repair and enjoyed fishing in the Seattle area and in Alaska. He also served in the Philippines and Persian Gulf.
The USS Donald McFaul, built at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., is 505 feet long, weighs more than 8,800 tons and is capable of speeds over 36 miles an hour.
It carries a variety of advanced weapons systems and is operated by a crew of 25 officers, 30 chief petty officers and 285 enlisted personnel.
Received the Navy Cross postumously for his actions 20 December 1989, as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of SEAL Team 4, Golf Platoon, in Operation Just Cause during the incursion into Panama.
McFaul's platoon was part of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose mission was to block access to Paitilla Airfield to prevent Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega from escaping.
Golf Platoon was patrolling toward a hanger housing Noriega's aircraft when they came under heavy fire. Chief McFaul was killed as he carried a seriously wounded member of his platoon back to the perimeter.
The Arleigh Burke class destroyer McFaul was named for him.
From his citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Engineman Donald L. McFaul, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of Sea-Air-Land Team FOUR (SEAL-4), GOLF Platoon during Operation JUST CAUSE at Paitilla Airfield, Republic of Panama on 20 December 1989. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's platoon was an element of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose crucial mission was to deny to General Noriega and his associates the use of Paitilla Airfield as an avenue of escape from Panama. After insertion from sea by rubber raiding craft, Golf Platoon was patrolling toward their objective, a hangar housing General Noriega's aircraft, when they were engaged by heavy small arms fire. Realizing that most of the first squad, 25 meters north of his position, had been wounded, he left the relative safety of his own position in order to assist the wounded lying helplessly exposed. Under heavy enemy fire and with total disregard for his personal safety, Chief Petty Officer McFaul moved forward into the kill zone and began carrying a seriously wounded platoon member to safety. As he was nearing the safety of his own force's perimeter, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's heroic actions and courage under fire saved his teammate's life and were an inspiration for other acts of heroism as the assault force prevailed in this decisive battle. By his extraordinary bravery, personal sacrifice, and inspiring devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer McFaul reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Ship Named After Seal From Washington -- Donald Mcfaul Died In Panama Invasion
Seattle Times Staffand Wire Services
A Washington state man who died in the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama was honored yesterday as the Navy commissioned its newest missile destroyer, which was named for him.
The USS Donald McFaul, named for a Navy SEAL from Stanwood, was welcomed into the fleet in ceremonies at Garden City, Ga., outside Savannah.
Donald McFaul, a 32-year-old chief petty officer, died as American forces ousted Panamanian President Manuel Noriega in December 1989. McFaul was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross - the Navy's second-highest honor - for saving some wounded colleagues at a Panama airstrip.
Among the thousands present at yesterday's event were Navy Secretary John Dalton and U.S. Sens. Max Cleland, D-Ga., and Dan Coats, R-Ind.
"They came to see a piece of history made and they witnessed it and everybody felt extremely good about it," said Capt. Walter Buchanan, a Navy reservist spokesman.
Also planning to attend the event were relatives of McFaul, including a sister, Karie Tarte, of Stanwood, and McFaul's mother, Shirley Lee, of Sedro-Woolley. His survivors also include his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Megan.
McFaul, born in Orange County, Calif., graduated from high school in Bend, Ore., in 1974. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school. In 1977, he volunteered and was accepted into the Naval Special Warfare Community, undergoing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training in 1978.
Out of the service from 1985 to 1988, he worked in engine repair and enjoyed fishing in the Seattle area and in Alaska. He also served in the Philippines and Persian Gulf.
The USS Donald McFaul, built at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., is 505 feet long, weighs more than 8,800 tons and is capable of speeds over 36 miles an hour.
It carries a variety of advanced weapons systems and is operated by a crew of 25 officers, 30 chief petty officers and 285 enlisted personnel.
Chief Engineman (SEAL) Donald McFaul, US Navy;
Received the Navy Cross postumously for his actions 20 December 1989, as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of SEAL Team 4, Golf Platoon, in Operation Just Cause during the incursion into Panama.
McFaul's platoon was part of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose mission was to block access to Paitilla Airfield to prevent Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega from escaping.
Golf Platoon was patrolling toward a hanger housing Noriega's aircraft when they came under heavy fire. Chief McFaul was killed as he carried a seriously wounded member of his platoon back to the perimeter.
The Arleigh Burke class destroyer McFaul was named for him.
From his citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Engineman Donald L. McFaul, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of Sea-Air-Land Team FOUR (SEAL-4), GOLF Platoon during Operation JUST CAUSE at Paitilla Airfield, Republic of Panama on 20 December 1989. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's platoon was an element of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose crucial mission was to deny to General Noriega and his associates the use of Paitilla Airfield as an avenue of escape from Panama. After insertion from sea by rubber raiding craft, Golf Platoon was patrolling toward their objective, a hangar housing General Noriega's aircraft, when they were engaged by heavy small arms fire. Realizing that most of the first squad, 25 meters north of his position, had been wounded, he left the relative safety of his own position in order to assist the wounded lying helplessly exposed. Under heavy enemy fire and with total disregard for his personal safety, Chief Petty Officer McFaul moved forward into the kill zone and began carrying a seriously wounded platoon member to safety. As he was nearing the safety of his own force's perimeter, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's heroic actions and courage under fire saved his teammate's life and were an inspiration for other acts of heroism as the assault force prevailed in this decisive battle. By his extraordinary bravery, personal sacrifice, and inspiring devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer McFaul reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Ship Named After Seal From Washington -- Donald Mcfaul Died In Panama Invasion
Seattle Times Staffand Wire Services
A Washington state man who died in the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama was honored yesterday as the Navy commissioned its newest missile destroyer, which was named for him.
The USS Donald McFaul, named for a Navy SEAL from Stanwood, was welcomed into the fleet in ceremonies at Garden City, Ga., outside Savannah.
Donald McFaul, a 32-year-old chief petty officer, died as American forces ousted Panamanian President Manuel Noriega in December 1989. McFaul was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross - the Navy's second-highest honor - for saving some wounded colleagues at a Panama airstrip.
Among the thousands present at yesterday's event were Navy Secretary John Dalton and U.S. Sens. Max Cleland, D-Ga., and Dan Coats, R-Ind.
"They came to see a piece of history made and they witnessed it and everybody felt extremely good about it," said Capt. Walter Buchanan, a Navy reservist spokesman.
Also planning to attend the event were relatives of McFaul, including a sister, Karie Tarte, of Stanwood, and McFaul's mother, Shirley Lee, of Sedro-Woolley. His survivors also include his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Megan.
McFaul, born in Orange County, Calif., graduated from high school in Bend, Ore., in 1974. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school. In 1977, he volunteered and was accepted into the Naval Special Warfare Community, undergoing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training in 1978.
Out of the service from 1985 to 1988, he worked in engine repair and enjoyed fishing in the Seattle area and in Alaska. He also served in the Philippines and Persian Gulf.
The USS Donald McFaul, built at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., is 505 feet long, weighs more than 8,800 tons and is capable of speeds over 36 miles an hour.
It carries a variety of advanced weapons systems and is operated by a crew of 25 officers, 30 chief petty officers and 285 enlisted personnel.
Received the Navy Cross postumously for his actions 20 December 1989, as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of SEAL Team 4, Golf Platoon, in Operation Just Cause during the incursion into Panama.
McFaul's platoon was part of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose mission was to block access to Paitilla Airfield to prevent Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega from escaping.
Golf Platoon was patrolling toward a hanger housing Noriega's aircraft when they came under heavy fire. Chief McFaul was killed as he carried a seriously wounded member of his platoon back to the perimeter.
The Arleigh Burke class destroyer McFaul was named for him.
From his citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Engineman Donald L. McFaul, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of Sea-Air-Land Team FOUR (SEAL-4), GOLF Platoon during Operation JUST CAUSE at Paitilla Airfield, Republic of Panama on 20 December 1989. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's platoon was an element of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose crucial mission was to deny to General Noriega and his associates the use of Paitilla Airfield as an avenue of escape from Panama. After insertion from sea by rubber raiding craft, Golf Platoon was patrolling toward their objective, a hangar housing General Noriega's aircraft, when they were engaged by heavy small arms fire. Realizing that most of the first squad, 25 meters north of his position, had been wounded, he left the relative safety of his own position in order to assist the wounded lying helplessly exposed. Under heavy enemy fire and with total disregard for his personal safety, Chief Petty Officer McFaul moved forward into the kill zone and began carrying a seriously wounded platoon member to safety. As he was nearing the safety of his own force's perimeter, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's heroic actions and courage under fire saved his teammate's life and were an inspiration for other acts of heroism as the assault force prevailed in this decisive battle. By his extraordinary bravery, personal sacrifice, and inspiring devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer McFaul reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Ship Named After Seal From Washington -- Donald Mcfaul Died In Panama Invasion
Seattle Times Staffand Wire Services
A Washington state man who died in the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama was honored yesterday as the Navy commissioned its newest missile destroyer, which was named for him.
The USS Donald McFaul, named for a Navy SEAL from Stanwood, was welcomed into the fleet in ceremonies at Garden City, Ga., outside Savannah.
Donald McFaul, a 32-year-old chief petty officer, died as American forces ousted Panamanian President Manuel Noriega in December 1989. McFaul was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross - the Navy's second-highest honor - for saving some wounded colleagues at a Panama airstrip.
Among the thousands present at yesterday's event were Navy Secretary John Dalton and U.S. Sens. Max Cleland, D-Ga., and Dan Coats, R-Ind.
"They came to see a piece of history made and they witnessed it and everybody felt extremely good about it," said Capt. Walter Buchanan, a Navy reservist spokesman.
Also planning to attend the event were relatives of McFaul, including a sister, Karie Tarte, of Stanwood, and McFaul's mother, Shirley Lee, of Sedro-Woolley. His survivors also include his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Megan.
McFaul, born in Orange County, Calif., graduated from high school in Bend, Ore., in 1974. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school. In 1977, he volunteered and was accepted into the Naval Special Warfare Community, undergoing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training in 1978.
Out of the service from 1985 to 1988, he worked in engine repair and enjoyed fishing in the Seattle area and in Alaska. He also served in the Philippines and Persian Gulf.
The USS Donald McFaul, built at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., is 505 feet long, weighs more than 8,800 tons and is capable of speeds over 36 miles an hour.
It carries a variety of advanced weapons systems and is operated by a crew of 25 officers, 30 chief petty officers and 285 enlisted personnel.
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