THE WALL OF FACES

Kurt was born August 19, 1934 in Salt lake City, Utah, the first of four children born to Hazel Irene and Craig Wyman McDonald. He attended schools in Utah, California and Washington. He graduated from Santa Maria High School in Santa Maria, California and the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Kurt received his commission in the US Air Force after graduation in 1956. Prior to his last tour of duty in Vietnam, he was stationed at bases in Texas, North Carolina, Spain and Japan.

Kurt naturally loved flying but also raced cars & motorcycles. He enjoyed music, especially jazz and 50's Rock & Roll. He was unmarried (though never lacking in female companionship) and boy, could he dance! Kurt was smart, serious and contemplative but he also had a quick, dry sense of humor. He was compassionate and loving - the best "big brother" a kid could have.

This is a letter our father received from Captain Glenn Nix, a friend of Kurt's (dated 1 Feb 1965)

Dear Sir,
I count it as a high privilege that your son is my friend. He is a tribute to you and your wife and to our country.

There are few finer things that I can say for a man than that he is a great fighter pilot. If I could choose a wingman, it would be Kurt McDonald.

If there was one thing I could say to Kurt today, it would be from General Lee's final order ...take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection...

It is always the man that does that extra measure, the man that pursues the mission to the end, the man to whom courage and devotion to duty are not words but a way of life that gives us hope for a permanent victory.

I wish to God that there were more Kurt McDonalds in the service of our country.

note: for more on Kurt visit our family web site at: http://www.twovirgo.com/Kurt.html