Decorated World War II Veteran from Marion Passed Away at the Age of 101

Decorated World War II veteran Donald Quigley died earlier this month at the Kingston Residence of Marion at the age of 101.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from 1941-1946 and was a decorated pilot and Commanding Officer of the Flying Tigers 23rd Fighter Group/75th Fighter Squadron.

Quigley received the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Oakleaf Cluster, The Presidential Unit Citation as well as other service medals.

He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2017 as a living fighter ace.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Quigley’s life was honored with a graveside service, immediately followed by a “Missing Man” formation by the Flying Tigers 75th Fighter Squadron, on March 17.

The following is the complete obituary:

Donald L. Quigley, age 101 of Marion, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the Kingston Residence of Marion.

Don was born on December 28, 1919 in Shippensburg, PA, the son of the late John M. Quigley and the late Lillian B. Waddel. He graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1937. He married Irene S. Klingel in 1942.

Don served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from 1941-1946 and was a decorated pilot and Commanding Officer of the Flying Tigers 23rd Fighter Group/75th Fighter Squadron. He received the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Oakleaf Cluster, The Presidential Unit Citation as well as other Service and Campaign and WWII victory medals. He was held as a POW by the Japanese for 13 months and was discharged as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2017 as a living fighter ace.

Don was a hand engraver for jewelers in Marion and Columbus, OH until his retirement. He was a member of Crosswood United Methodist Church. A life member of the 14th Air Force Association and VFW Post #7201. A member of D.A.V. and the American Fighter Aces Association. Don will truly be missed by family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife Irene in 2015, his brothers Jesse and Kenneth and his sister Janet Stull.

Those who will cherish his memories include his daughters Kay (David) Kulics of Carver, MN and Lynn (George) Kolarik of Arnold, MD, 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 starting at 1:15pm with Bob Goyer officiating and the Marion Area Veterans Council performing a military service. The Flying Tigers 75th Fighter Squadron will be performing the “Missing Man” formation following the service at the Marion Cemetery. Donations may be made in Don’s memory to Capital City Hospice, 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive #170, Columbus, Ohio 43231. The Boyd Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Quigley family.