Donald John “Donnie” Coleman  came into this world on March 10, 1949.

As the oldest child of Walter and Mildred Coleman, he eventually being the leader of four younger brothers and a younger sister. He was raised in Medford, MA, excelled in academics and athletics and early on showed signs of the leadership skills that would carry him to West Point and a career of service to his nation and to those around him.

Donald attended Saint Joseph’s Elementary School and was followed there by four younger brothers. It was easy to get a feel for the admiration the nuns felt for Donald as each sibling got a chance to hear the phrase “Why can’t you be more like your brother Donald?”

Donald then attended Arlington Catholic High School where he earned the nickname “Gnat” because of his small physical size and his speed on the athletic fields. He excelled in both baseball and hockey and graduated in 1967. Years later, Donnie was enshrined in the Arlington Catholic Hall of Fame. At the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, some of us got to see something that we wish Donald could have seen, but it happened right behind his back. 

Donald had been the captain of his high school hockey team. Therefore, at the Hall of Fame ceremony, the current team captain was responsible for escorting Donald to the podium to accept his honors. Standing behind Donald’s chair, the young high school athlete looked less than thrilled to be there. After all, Donald had been the captain, and now he was the captain...no biggie, right? As the emcee spoke about Donald’s high school career, you could see a change in the amount of respect the current captain felt for Donald. When the emcee noted that Donald had captained the team not only his senior year, but also as a junior, the young athlete stood more alertly and looked more closely at Donald. When the emcee stated that Donald had also captained his high school hockey team as a sophomore, the young athlete’s eyes widened, and he showed a respect that I am sure he did not expect to experience that night. It was a moment of great pride in Donald for all of us who attended that evening.

Donnie needed a waiver for his height in order to enter West Point. Although small in stature, he was an outsized presence in a group or on an athletic field. 

He was a born leader. He instinctively knew how to mix tough discipline, concern for welfare, training standards and humor to be a charismatic presence.

To say he was a great athlete is an understatement. He made up for his size by having an unrivaled competitive spirit and the courage of a lion. He was a starting member of a very good Army Hockey Team and was also a three-year member of the Army Soccer Team. He seemed to always be near the goal and the puck. He was a gifted scorer and utilized his size and quickness as an asset by slipping by the big defensemen. He paid a terrible price at times when he was hit, but always came back stronger and dished out as much grief as he took. Feisty is a good way to describe his style of play.

Don had an exceptional sense of humor. He found joy in almost any situation. He was always fun to be around and never seemed to get upset at the situation no matter how difficult or obscure it was. He also had a deep sense of humility. He never wanted the limelight, nor did he attempt to take it from others. These traits made him a natural leader and earned the respect of classmates, company mates, and the officers above him.

Don was an exceptional roommate and friend. He didn’t give his trust quickly, but once it was given, it never wavered. He always had time to help or to listen. He was a great roommate. He was consistent in his military duties, but not overbearing. He took his academic studies seriously but wasn’t obsessed by grades. He was never a magnet for trouble by being sloppy, noisy or needy. These traits allowed “Boomer” (his nickname) and his roommates to maintain a low profile, stay out of trouble, and still have as much fun and freedom as possible.

After graduation, Donald was commissioned in the Infantry and assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He later decided life was better piloting a helicopter than walking through woods and swamps. He went to flight school and spent the rest of his career as a pilot, serving his country for almost thirty years. Don loved to fly. He loved Army Aviation and preferred flying to advancement. His best war stories were always about flying and the gleam in his eyes when he talked about flying showed his passion. 

As a leader, Don was exceptional. As a friend, his devotion was lifelong. As an athlete, he was admired. We will miss him and look forward to rooming with him later. 

Donnie is survived by his children Kim and Sean; son-in-law Vipe; daughter-in-law, Kristin; and 5 grandchildren.

 Donnie was cremated and his ashes spread in the Gulf of Mexico in order to be reunited with his beloved wife Christine, who preceded him in death. Donald, from all of us who knew you and followed you, Well Done. Professionally Done (’71). Be Thou at Peace.