Coffeyville (620) 251-6008
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Patricia Overman posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
I was in the process of writing to Mr. Donald Shepard to let him know his heroics in the Varsity Operation during WWII has not been forgotten and that a friend of his would be receiving his long over due Bronze Star when I discovered that Donald had pass away. I regret not having known him. Donald Shepard was a member of a unique combat team; one that has never been formed before or again in the history of modern warfare. He was a member of the first all officer all pilot infantry company, first time double tow was used in combat, first time gliders would land in an unsecured landing zone right on top of the German artillery.
During WWII, gliders were used extensively as the second wave of airborne operations. In addition to carrying infantry troops, or 'Glider Riders' as they as they were called, gliders had the advantage of being able to carry equipment such as jeeps, field artillery pieces and trailers that were too heavy to be dropped by parachute. After landing in a secure landing zone and unloading their cargo, the glider pilot's primary duty was to get back to their air base as soon as possible in order to be available to fly another mission, if necessary.
During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and January 1945, American forces had their heaviest casualties of any engagement in the war. The 17th Airborne Division saw their first combat action of the war and their two Glider Infantry Regiments, the 193rd and the 194th, took such heavy losses that the 193rd was consolidated with the 194th. Even after consolidating the two units into one, it was still short one company of infantry.
Since the 17th Airborne Division was slated to be the primary American airborne assault force for the upcoming invasion of Germany, code named Operation Varsity, the Commanding Officer of the 194th Glider Infantry Company asked to train one squadron of glider pilots to serve as an additional infantry company for the initial phase of the operation. Major (then Captain) Charles Gordon volunteered the 435th Troop Carrier Group's glider pilots for this mission and, once they had delivered their loads to Landing Zone S, just north of the city of Wesel, Germany, these men would quickly organize and become the 435th Provisional Glider Pilot Infantry Company.
Assigned to bolster a gap between the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 194th, the men of the 435th dug in at the crossroads of Holzweg and Hessenweg. Around midnight, a force of approximately 200 German infantry supported by a tank, a self-propelled artillery, and two 20mm flak guns attempted to break through the line. The 435th 77th platoon held their fire until the German force was only yards away, then opened up. Flight Officer Elbert Jella fired one round from a bazooka, the first and only time he had fired one in combat, and hit the tank, causing it to immediately reverse, destroying one of the flak guns as it backed over it. The German force attempted to break through three times where the 76th, 77th and 78th platoons of the 435th were dug in but were repulsed by the glider pilot officers each time. The German force retreated and was later further reduced by the 2nd battalion of the 194th.
Donald Shepard was in the 4th (78th) Platoon 1st Squad. Donald received an Air Medal for his flight into LZ-S and a Bronze Star for his action as a member of the 435th Provisional Glider Pilot Company. You have taken your final flight but you are not forgotten.
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Charles H. Ziesing posted a condolence
Friday, February 8, 2013
I met Don Shepherd January 1977. I was working for the Aetna insurance company at the time. Soon after he hired me and I was with him until he retired in 1995. Working with Don was a great pleasure. He mentored me and sometimes pushed me in the proper direction. He was always cheerful and supportive. I loved hearing his tales about WWII and the missions he flew. in his glider. I remember him saying to me, Charles, you find out what fear is when you need to land a wooden airplane with 8 men and a jeep at night in a place you've never seen before.
Don you will be missed and never forgotten!!
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Stephen Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, January 24, 2013
After my father passed away. Donald became like a second father to me. I called him about once every week. We talked about many things, he was always there to answer and to give his thoughts or opinions to my never-ending questions. His concern for others was also never ending. I will miss him dearly. May God watch over you and comfort you in the next part of your lifes journey. So long for now Donald your friend and believer in Christ. Stephen
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Jimmie Shepherd Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Several years ago, Steve and I went to Coffeyville to visit Donald. While we were there, I broke my hip. The last time I saw Donald, he came to the hospital to see me. He counseled me many times when I was a teenager. I visited him and Marguerite many times in New York City and we wrote lengthy letters constantly. When we returned to Florida, we spoke by phone every few days. He was a prince of a man and we will miss him terribly.
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Rosie Sweaney posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I wanted to express my condolences to your family over the loss of a wonderful gentleman. I only met Donald once in person & spoke on the phone with him one time but I truly enjoyed my visit with him. I meant him when my co-worker & I sang & played piano at a family reunion in Coffeyville, arranged through Rita Swan. They insisted we eat with them & after visiting awhile about our music program in Sedan, Donald sent a donation to our choir for a trip to Branson & later to our band for a trip to Memphis TN. When I called to thank him, he said he was surprised that I called. I told him that it was the least that I could do. We ended up talking for nearly 30 minutes. I was saddened to read in the paper that he had passed away. He was a wonderful, giving person! Please share with the family.
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Esther (Riggin) Alpert posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I already miss Uncle Don. His voracious appetite for books and knowledge inspired many lively conversations over the years. He truly enjoyed learning and even (or especially) as a nonagenarian had more intellectual curiosity than anyone I've ever met. He introduced me to such delights as vichyssoise and the author David McCullough, among many other things.
He also took a genuine interest in the well-being of family and friends, and he was as good a listener as he was a conversationalist. His words of support and encouragement cheered me up many times during the ups and downs of adolescence and young adulthood. I never saw him (or Aunt Marguerite) become angry or say a cross word in my presence, he always exuded positive energy.
Uncle Don was truly a gem of a human being, and I'm glad my daughter Hollyn was able to meet (and serenade) her great-great-uncle before he passed.
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Rita Swan posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Uncle Don was one of the most courageous people I've ever known. So many of his dearest friends had died and he had no biological children, but he always maintained his cheerfulness, strong interest in others, and concern for others' welfare. He had such a gift for affirming other people.
As my brother Ralph said, "You always felt better when you talked to Uncle Don."
He strongly valued every phone conversation, every visit, every letter, but he never demanded personal attention. He was unselfish almost beyond comprehension. It was such a joy and privilege to be in relationship with him.
I would like to point out that he flew glider missions over Normandy on D-Day. Also, I believe he and Marguerite were married on June 5, 1943. It was often said that their wedding date was 6/5/43.
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Kathy Foster posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
We will always remember your gift for stories and your laughter. Always willing to offer suggestions to help make life better for others. We will miss you, Uncle Don.
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306 North Cline Road
Coffeyville, Kansas 67337
(620) 251-6008