Pfc. Donald Neil Dickey died Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, after a short illness.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.
He received a World War II citation for meritorious conduct as amphibian tractor crew member during operations against Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelip beachhead, Guam, Marianas Islands on July 21, 1944.
A copy of the citation sent to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. “Earl” Dickey of Walla Walla, Wash., added that “when his amphibian tractor loaded with assault troops lost a track and stalled on the reef, Dickey, without regard to enemy mortar fire falling in the area, left the comparative safety of the tractor and assisted in the repair of the track despite an enemy mortar shell exploding in the vicinity and killing one of the troops in the tractor. After repairing the track he accompanied the tractor to shore where the troops were disembarked.
“His brave action undoubtedly saved the tractor from destruction and many more of the troops from being killed or wounded from the enemy fire and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States naval service.”
The citation, dated Oct,. 6, 1944, was signed by Brig. Gen. A.H. Noble, U.S. Marine Corps commander, 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.
Dickey, who at that time had been overseas a little more than a year, stated in a letter to his parents the hope that he would be able to be home on leave before Christmas 1945.
Survivors include two sons, Chuck Dickey and Neil (Mary) Dickey; and one granddaughter, Kate.
Services will be for family only. Memorials can be made to the National Rifle Association.
