Byrne, Donald

Description

Donald L. Byrne

Donald L. Byrne was born in New York on June 17, 1923 to Mary and Richard Byrne. He had two younger sisters Grace and Mary. In Rye his family lived 336 Midland Ave. and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Donald was a Rye High School Graduate, Class of 1941. In high school he was known as “a quiet fellow’ and was a member of the hunting and fishing club.

Donald enlisted and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as part of the 98th Air Service Squadron. The 98th Air Service Squadron was a critical “behind-the-scenes” unit that provided the heavy technical support necessary to keep Allied aircraft operational during World War II. Unlike frontline combat crews, these men were highly skilled technicians, welders, and mechanics who operated mobile repair depots often located just miles from the front lines.

In the Mediterranean Theater, service units associated with the 98th supported the heavy B-24 Liberators of the 15th Air Force, performing “third-echelon” maintenance’complex repairs such as engine overhauls and structural rebuilding that exceeded the capabilities of standard ground crews. Their work was grueling and essential; they labored in the dust of North Africa and the mud of Italy, salvaging parts from downed planes and managing vast stockpiles of fuel and ammunition to ensure that the air war against Axis oil refineries and supply lines could continue without interruption.

Donald received his honorable discharge on December 4, 1945 and returned home to Rye. In 1950 he was working as a machinist for the American Felt Co. in Glenville, CT.