Donald Eugene Alvestad (1921-1944)

ALVESTAD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/5/2020 at 21:28:16

From Nevada Evening Journal July 7, 1945 (page 3)

Memorial Services For Roland Boys

Salem Church was again filled to capacity Sunday afternoon when joint memorial services were held for Lt. Donald Alvestad and Pfc. Robert Larson. The church was beautifully decorated with baskets of flowers and Donald's and Robert's pictures stood before a spray of delphiniums, white gladioli and red carnations shaped like a fan. The following program was given:

Organ Prelude--"Largo in G"--G. F. Handel, Alfred Ness, Organist
Hymn--"What a Friend We Have In Jesus," Hymnary No. 488
Scripture Reading and Prayer
Vocal Solo--"The Lord's Prayer"--Albert Hay Malott, Mrs. Grant Eggland
Reading of Life Sketch, Telegrams, Letters, Memorial Gifts
Vocal Quartet--"These Are Our Lads" Words by the Pastor, Music by Mrs. O. S. Boyd, Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Boyd and Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Swenson
Sermon--"Good Soldiers," The Pastor
Vocal Solo--"Sleep Soldier Boy"--Dorothy Alexander, Leslie Henderson, Acc. by Harry Christiansen
Presentation of Flag--Otto J. Hanson, Chaplain The American Legion Post No. 307
Taps
Benediction
Postlude--"Largo" from "The New World Symphony" Dvorak

The American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and the classmates attended in a body.

DONALD EUGENE ALVESTAD

Donald Eugene Alvestad, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Alvestad, was born in Roland, Iowa, on March 2, 1921. He was baptized in Salem Lutheran Church by the late Rev. J. N. Sandven, and confirmed by Rev. Olaf Holen in 1936. He attended the Roland schools and graduated with the class of 1941.

He went to Burbank, California that same summer and was employed in the Lockhead Aircraft plant from September 23, 1941 until November 10, 1942, when he terminated his work there to enlist in the U. S. Army Air Forces. He began his training in January, 1943, and was stationed in various southern states. He graduated from the Columbus Army Flying School at Columbus, Mississippi on November 3, 1943, receiving the commission of Flight Officer. He was assigned as co-pilot on a B-17 Flying Fortress, and was stationed with the crew at Avon Park, Florida, for some time.

He left for overseas duty in September, 1944, his parents received a government message stating Donald had been missing over Germany since November 30. They also learned that he was not with his own crew, having volunteered to go on a special mission with another crew. A second message on February 12, 1945, stated that Donald had been killed in action over Germany on November 30. It was learned later that the two pilots were killed and the other crew members became German prisoners.

While in England, Donald was decorated with the Air Medal, and he was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.

Donald is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Alvestad of Roland, his older brother, Burton, who resides in Alhambra, California, and Norman, who recently received an honorable discharge from the Army, having served overseas forty-three months.