On 3 Nov 1918, Donald Pershing Watts, the first of four children of Jacob Lester Watts and Lillian Estelle Story, was born in Briggsdale, Franklin County, Ohio. He was named after a famous military war hero, General Black Jack Pershing. Both his father, Jacob Lester Watts, and his uncle, Allen William Watts, served in World War 1. His paternal great grandfather, John Watts, served in the War of 1812; his maternal grandfathers and great grand fathers, Elias Alkire White, Samuel White, and Alexander White, served in the Civil and Revolutuonary Wars; and Francis M. Story, Duke Story III, and Duke Story II, served in the War of 1812, Civil War, and Revolutionary War, respectively. Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were early pioneers of Franklin County, OH; Albany, New York; Pennsylvani; Virginia, and Marlyland. His fourth maternal great grandfather, Peregrine White, was born on the Mayflower, after docking at Plymouth, MA. Colonel Watts's four sons, Warren Lee, Paul Richard, Stephan Charles, and Michael James, all served in the military and are Vietnam Veterans.
On February 25, 1941, Donald Pershing Watts married Mary Louise Swint, daughter of Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at St. Joseph Church, in Fremont, Sandusky County, OH. On his wedding day, Donald received notice that he was being drafted in the United States Army and to report for training. From birth, Donald Pershing Watts was was destined to be in the miliatary. After all, he was named after General Black Jack Pershing. Upon receiving his basic and advanced infantry enlisted and officer training, Donald was shipped off to Europe. His wife, Mary Louise, and two children, Sandra Jean and Warren Lee, resided with her parents, Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at 110 North Wood Street, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH, until her husband returned from the war in Europe in 1945. His first infant son, Warren Lee, was named after two military training camps where his father received his basic and advanced militay training, Camp Warren, Wyoming, and Camp Lee, Virginia.
During WWII (1944-1945), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a First Lieutenant Platoon Leader and Reconnaissance Officer for an Anti-Tank Company, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, and saw combat in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardenenes-Alsace, and Central Europe. Of the 27,343 casualties the Division suffered, more that 9,000 were in the 143d Infantry. Of the 175,806 enemy soldiers captured, more than 75,000 were captured by the 143d Infantry. Of the 15 Congressional Medals of Honor the 36th Infantry Division members were awarded, five of them went to men of the 143d Infantry. During its combat period of World War II, the Regiment was in the line for a total of 386 days actively engaged with the enemy. The Regiment has been awarded eight Campaign Streamers during WWII as follows: Naples-Foggia (with arrowhead); Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France (with arrowhead); Rhineland; Ardenenes-Alsace; and Central Europe.
During the Korean War (1951-1953), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a Captain with the Ninth Infantry Regiment Manchu's and held various combat assignments assignments: Company Commander, 9th Inf HV Mortar and Dog Company; Operations Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment,; and Executive Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment. He and his men saw combat at the infamous "Pork Chop Hill," Old Baldy,", and T'Bone Hill."
After the war (1953-1959), Donald returned to Cleveland, OH as Operations Officer and advisor to 45 United States Army Reserve Units. He also organized the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, OH.
Between 1959 and 1970, Donald returned to active duty and had assignments in Germany, Ethiopia, Fort Ord, CA and, his last assignment before retiring as Deputy Post Commander, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.
Upon his retirement in 1970, Colonel Watts became one of Indianapolis' prominent citizens. He was hired by two of this country's top cardio-vascular heart surgeons to form a medical corporation, which, after 25 years, became one of the first and most successful cardio-vascular medical corporations in the country, Cardiovascular Surgical Services, Inc. As their Executive Manager, Colonel Watts started at the ground floor and developed the corporation into a multi-million dollar medical practice with over 30 practicing cardiovascular surgeons and consultants. He also mentored other doctors in the medical profession during the planning and execution phases of their medical corporations. As a result, other entrepreneurs in the business community often called him for mentoring, even after his retirement from his second career in 1994, at the age of 75.
In 1981, Colonel Watts and his wife, Mary Louise, returned to South Korea at the invitation of the South Korean Government where he was awarded "The Ambassador of Peace" Award by Korean Vice Admiral Maeng Kee Lee, ROKN (Retired), and President of the The Korean Veterans Association.
In June 1995, Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, and Lawrence Mayor Thomas Schneider recognized Colonel Watts for his distinguished service as a member of the Fort Harrison Transition Task Force.
On February 17, 2000, Colonel Donald Pershing Watts, 82, died at the Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was a devoted husband, father of eight children, a decorated combat veteran of World War II and Korea; a former Deputy Post Commander at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, retiring in 1970 after 28 years of service; and a former pioneer business manager for Cardio Vascular Surgeons, Inc. for 25 years, retiring in 1995.
Other Fraternal, Patriotic and Service Organizations that Colonel Watts belong to were: Past President, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH Junior Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Lions Club; Former Leading Knight, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1209; Former Member Board of Directors, Sandusky County Red Cross Chapter; Director, 1948 Sandusky County American Red Cross Fund Campaign; Past President, Sandusky County Youth Council; Former District Chairman, Federal Housing Administration Rent Control Board; District Coordinator, President's Council on Youth Opportunity; Former Justice of the Peace, Ballville Township, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH; Recipient of Indianapolis' WTTV's "500" Festival Volunteer of the Year Award for 1969; Former Member of the Board, Fort Harrison Transition Task Force; 1993-1995; Past President of the Exchange Club, Lawrence, Indiana, 1997-1998), and Member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Maple Creek Country Club.
On February 25, 1941, Donald Pershing Watts married Mary Louise Swint, daughter of Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at St. Joseph Church, in Fremont, Sandusky County, OH. On his wedding day, Donald received notice that he was being drafted in the United States Army and to report for training. From birth, Donald Pershing Watts was was destined to be in the miliatary. After all, he was named after General Black Jack Pershing. Upon receiving his basic and advanced infantry enlisted and officer training, Donald was shipped off to Europe. His wife, Mary Louise, and two children, Sandra Jean and Warren Lee, resided with her parents, Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at 110 North Wood Street, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH, until her husband returned from the war in Europe in 1945. His first infant son, Warren Lee, was named after two military training camps where his father received his basic and advanced militay training, Camp Warren, Wyoming, and Camp Lee, Virginia.
During WWII (1944-1945), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a First Lieutenant Platoon Leader and Reconnaissance Officer for an Anti-Tank Company, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, and saw combat in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardenenes-Alsace, and Central Europe. Of the 27,343 casualties the Division suffered, more that 9,000 were in the 143d Infantry. Of the 175,806 enemy soldiers captured, more than 75,000 were captured by the 143d Infantry. Of the 15 Congressional Medals of Honor the 36th Infantry Division members were awarded, five of them went to men of the 143d Infantry. During its combat period of World War II, the Regiment was in the line for a total of 386 days actively engaged with the enemy. The Regiment has been awarded eight Campaign Streamers during WWII as follows: Naples-Foggia (with arrowhead); Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France (with arrowhead); Rhineland; Ardenenes-Alsace; and Central Europe.
During the Korean War (1951-1953), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a Captain with the Ninth Infantry Regiment Manchu's and held various combat assignments assignments: Company Commander, 9th Inf HV Mortar and Dog Company; Operations Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment,; and Executive Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment. He and his men saw combat at the infamous "Pork Chop Hill," Old Baldy,", and T'Bone Hill."
After the war (1953-1959), Donald returned to Cleveland, OH as Operations Officer and advisor to 45 United States Army Reserve Units. He also organized the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, OH.
Between 1959 and 1970, Donald returned to active duty and had assignments in Germany, Ethiopia, Fort Ord, CA and, his last assignment before retiring as Deputy Post Commander, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.
Upon his retirement in 1970, Colonel Watts became one of Indianapolis' prominent citizens. He was hired by two of this country's top cardio-vascular heart surgeons to form a medical corporation, which, after 25 years, became one of the first and most successful cardio-vascular medical corporations in the country, Cardiovascular Surgical Services, Inc. As their Executive Manager, Colonel Watts started at the ground floor and developed the corporation into a multi-million dollar medical practice with over 30 practicing cardiovascular surgeons and consultants. He also mentored other doctors in the medical profession during the planning and execution phases of their medical corporations. As a result, other entrepreneurs in the business community often called him for mentoring, even after his retirement from his second career in 1994, at the age of 75.
In 1981, Colonel Watts and his wife, Mary Louise, returned to South Korea at the invitation of the South Korean Government where he was awarded "The Ambassador of Peace" Award by Korean Vice Admiral Maeng Kee Lee, ROKN (Retired), and President of the The Korean Veterans Association.
In June 1995, Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, and Lawrence Mayor Thomas Schneider recognized Colonel Watts for his distinguished service as a member of the Fort Harrison Transition Task Force.
On February 17, 2000, Colonel Donald Pershing Watts, 82, died at the Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was a devoted husband, father of eight children, a decorated combat veteran of World War II and Korea; a former Deputy Post Commander at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, retiring in 1970 after 28 years of service; and a former pioneer business manager for Cardio Vascular Surgeons, Inc. for 25 years, retiring in 1995.
Other Fraternal, Patriotic and Service Organizations that Colonel Watts belong to were: Past President, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH Junior Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Lions Club; Former Leading Knight, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1209; Former Member Board of Directors, Sandusky County Red Cross Chapter; Director, 1948 Sandusky County American Red Cross Fund Campaign; Past President, Sandusky County Youth Council; Former District Chairman, Federal Housing Administration Rent Control Board; District Coordinator, President's Council on Youth Opportunity; Former Justice of the Peace, Ballville Township, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH; Recipient of Indianapolis' WTTV's "500" Festival Volunteer of the Year Award for 1969; Former Member of the Board, Fort Harrison Transition Task Force; 1993-1995; Past President of the Exchange Club, Lawrence, Indiana, 1997-1998), and Member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Maple Creek Country Club.
On 3 Nov 1918, Donald Pershing Watts, the first of four children of Jacob Lester Watts and Lillian Estelle Story, was born in Briggsdale, Franklin County, Ohio. He was named after a famous military war hero, General Black Jack Pershing. Both his father, Jacob Lester Watts, and his uncle, Allen William Watts, served in World War 1. His paternal great grandfather, John Watts, served in the War of 1812; his maternal grandfathers and great grand fathers, Elias Alkire White, Samuel White, and Alexander White, served in the Civil and Revolutuonary Wars; and Francis M. Story, Duke Story III, and Duke Story II, served in the War of 1812, Civil War, and Revolutionary War, respectively. Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were early pioneers of Franklin County, OH; Albany, New York; Pennsylvani; Virginia, and Marlyland. His fourth maternal great grandfather, Peregrine White, was born on the Mayflower, after docking at Plymouth, MA. Colonel Watts's four sons, Warren Lee, Paul Richard, Stephan Charles, and Michael James, all served in the military and are Vietnam Veterans.
On February 25, 1941, Donald Pershing Watts married Mary Louise Swint, daughter of Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at St. Joseph Church, in Fremont, Sandusky County, OH. On his wedding day, Donald received notice that he was being drafted in the United States Army and to report for training. From birth, Donald Pershing Watts was was destined to be in the miliatary. After all, he was named after General Black Jack Pershing. Upon receiving his basic and advanced infantry enlisted and officer training, Donald was shipped off to Europe. His wife, Mary Louise, and two children, Sandra Jean and Warren Lee, resided with her parents, Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at 110 North Wood Street, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH, until her husband returned from the war in Europe in 1945. His first infant son, Warren Lee, was named after two military training camps where his father received his basic and advanced militay training, Camp Warren, Wyoming, and Camp Lee, Virginia.
During WWII (1944-1945), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a First Lieutenant Platoon Leader and Reconnaissance Officer for an Anti-Tank Company, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, and saw combat in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardenenes-Alsace, and Central Europe. Of the 27,343 casualties the Division suffered, more that 9,000 were in the 143d Infantry. Of the 175,806 enemy soldiers captured, more than 75,000 were captured by the 143d Infantry. Of the 15 Congressional Medals of Honor the 36th Infantry Division members were awarded, five of them went to men of the 143d Infantry. During its combat period of World War II, the Regiment was in the line for a total of 386 days actively engaged with the enemy. The Regiment has been awarded eight Campaign Streamers during WWII as follows: Naples-Foggia (with arrowhead); Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France (with arrowhead); Rhineland; Ardenenes-Alsace; and Central Europe.
During the Korean War (1951-1953), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a Captain with the Ninth Infantry Regiment Manchu's and held various combat assignments assignments: Company Commander, 9th Inf HV Mortar and Dog Company; Operations Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment,; and Executive Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment. He and his men saw combat at the infamous "Pork Chop Hill," Old Baldy,", and T'Bone Hill."
After the war (1953-1959), Donald returned to Cleveland, OH as Operations Officer and advisor to 45 United States Army Reserve Units. He also organized the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, OH.
Between 1959 and 1970, Donald returned to active duty and had assignments in Germany, Ethiopia, Fort Ord, CA and, his last assignment before retiring as Deputy Post Commander, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.
Upon his retirement in 1970, Colonel Watts became one of Indianapolis' prominent citizens. He was hired by two of this country's top cardio-vascular heart surgeons to form a medical corporation, which, after 25 years, became one of the first and most successful cardio-vascular medical corporations in the country, Cardiovascular Surgical Services, Inc. As their Executive Manager, Colonel Watts started at the ground floor and developed the corporation into a multi-million dollar medical practice with over 30 practicing cardiovascular surgeons and consultants. He also mentored other doctors in the medical profession during the planning and execution phases of their medical corporations. As a result, other entrepreneurs in the business community often called him for mentoring, even after his retirement from his second career in 1994, at the age of 75.
In 1981, Colonel Watts and his wife, Mary Louise, returned to South Korea at the invitation of the South Korean Government where he was awarded "The Ambassador of Peace" Award by Korean Vice Admiral Maeng Kee Lee, ROKN (Retired), and President of the The Korean Veterans Association.
In June 1995, Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, and Lawrence Mayor Thomas Schneider recognized Colonel Watts for his distinguished service as a member of the Fort Harrison Transition Task Force.
On February 17, 2000, Colonel Donald Pershing Watts, 82, died at the Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was a devoted husband, father of eight children, a decorated combat veteran of World War II and Korea; a former Deputy Post Commander at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, retiring in 1970 after 28 years of service; and a former pioneer business manager for Cardio Vascular Surgeons, Inc. for 25 years, retiring in 1995.
Other Fraternal, Patriotic and Service Organizations that Colonel Watts belong to were: Past President, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH Junior Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Lions Club; Former Leading Knight, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1209; Former Member Board of Directors, Sandusky County Red Cross Chapter; Director, 1948 Sandusky County American Red Cross Fund Campaign; Past President, Sandusky County Youth Council; Former District Chairman, Federal Housing Administration Rent Control Board; District Coordinator, President's Council on Youth Opportunity; Former Justice of the Peace, Ballville Township, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH; Recipient of Indianapolis' WTTV's "500" Festival Volunteer of the Year Award for 1969; Former Member of the Board, Fort Harrison Transition Task Force; 1993-1995; Past President of the Exchange Club, Lawrence, Indiana, 1997-1998), and Member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Maple Creek Country Club.
On February 25, 1941, Donald Pershing Watts married Mary Louise Swint, daughter of Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at St. Joseph Church, in Fremont, Sandusky County, OH. On his wedding day, Donald received notice that he was being drafted in the United States Army and to report for training. From birth, Donald Pershing Watts was was destined to be in the miliatary. After all, he was named after General Black Jack Pershing. Upon receiving his basic and advanced infantry enlisted and officer training, Donald was shipped off to Europe. His wife, Mary Louise, and two children, Sandra Jean and Warren Lee, resided with her parents, Jacob and Estella (Schwartz) Swint, at 110 North Wood Street, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH, until her husband returned from the war in Europe in 1945. His first infant son, Warren Lee, was named after two military training camps where his father received his basic and advanced militay training, Camp Warren, Wyoming, and Camp Lee, Virginia.
During WWII (1944-1945), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a First Lieutenant Platoon Leader and Reconnaissance Officer for an Anti-Tank Company, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, and saw combat in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardenenes-Alsace, and Central Europe. Of the 27,343 casualties the Division suffered, more that 9,000 were in the 143d Infantry. Of the 175,806 enemy soldiers captured, more than 75,000 were captured by the 143d Infantry. Of the 15 Congressional Medals of Honor the 36th Infantry Division members were awarded, five of them went to men of the 143d Infantry. During its combat period of World War II, the Regiment was in the line for a total of 386 days actively engaged with the enemy. The Regiment has been awarded eight Campaign Streamers during WWII as follows: Naples-Foggia (with arrowhead); Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France (with arrowhead); Rhineland; Ardenenes-Alsace; and Central Europe.
During the Korean War (1951-1953), Donald Pershing Watts served in combat as a Captain with the Ninth Infantry Regiment Manchu's and held various combat assignments assignments: Company Commander, 9th Inf HV Mortar and Dog Company; Operations Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment,; and Executive Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 9th Manchu Regiment. He and his men saw combat at the infamous "Pork Chop Hill," Old Baldy,", and T'Bone Hill."
After the war (1953-1959), Donald returned to Cleveland, OH as Operations Officer and advisor to 45 United States Army Reserve Units. He also organized the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, OH.
Between 1959 and 1970, Donald returned to active duty and had assignments in Germany, Ethiopia, Fort Ord, CA and, his last assignment before retiring as Deputy Post Commander, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.
Upon his retirement in 1970, Colonel Watts became one of Indianapolis' prominent citizens. He was hired by two of this country's top cardio-vascular heart surgeons to form a medical corporation, which, after 25 years, became one of the first and most successful cardio-vascular medical corporations in the country, Cardiovascular Surgical Services, Inc. As their Executive Manager, Colonel Watts started at the ground floor and developed the corporation into a multi-million dollar medical practice with over 30 practicing cardiovascular surgeons and consultants. He also mentored other doctors in the medical profession during the planning and execution phases of their medical corporations. As a result, other entrepreneurs in the business community often called him for mentoring, even after his retirement from his second career in 1994, at the age of 75.
In 1981, Colonel Watts and his wife, Mary Louise, returned to South Korea at the invitation of the South Korean Government where he was awarded "The Ambassador of Peace" Award by Korean Vice Admiral Maeng Kee Lee, ROKN (Retired), and President of the The Korean Veterans Association.
In June 1995, Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, and Lawrence Mayor Thomas Schneider recognized Colonel Watts for his distinguished service as a member of the Fort Harrison Transition Task Force.
On February 17, 2000, Colonel Donald Pershing Watts, 82, died at the Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was a devoted husband, father of eight children, a decorated combat veteran of World War II and Korea; a former Deputy Post Commander at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, retiring in 1970 after 28 years of service; and a former pioneer business manager for Cardio Vascular Surgeons, Inc. for 25 years, retiring in 1995.
Other Fraternal, Patriotic and Service Organizations that Colonel Watts belong to were: Past President, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH Junior Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Lions Club; Former Leading Knight, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1209; Former Member Board of Directors, Sandusky County Red Cross Chapter; Director, 1948 Sandusky County American Red Cross Fund Campaign; Past President, Sandusky County Youth Council; Former District Chairman, Federal Housing Administration Rent Control Board; District Coordinator, President's Council on Youth Opportunity; Former Justice of the Peace, Ballville Township, Fremont, Sandusky County, OH; Recipient of Indianapolis' WTTV's "500" Festival Volunteer of the Year Award for 1969; Former Member of the Board, Fort Harrison Transition Task Force; 1993-1995; Past President of the Exchange Club, Lawrence, Indiana, 1997-1998), and Member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Maple Creek Country Club.
