First Lieutenant Donaldson "Donnie" Preston Tillar III - A Soldier's Story
Tillar attended the Miller School and James O’Neil High School, where he was an accomplished lacrosse player. His dedication both on the field and in the classroom led him to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he continued to play and later coached lacrosse while pursuing his commission. He graduated from West Point in 1988.
Following graduation, Tillar trained as an Army helicopter pilot and was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. Known for his leadership and commitment to those around him, he remained closely involved in lacrosse throughout his military career, mentoring and coaching as well as competing.
In the fall of 1990, First Lieutenant Tillar deployed with the 1st Infantry Division to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, joining thousands of American servicemembers responding to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. As the Gulf War moved into its final phases, aviation units played a critical role in reconnaissance, transport, and battlefield coordination.
On February 27, 1991, during combat operations, First Lieutenant Tillar was killed when his helicopter was shot down. He was 25 years old.
First Lieutenant Donaldson Preston Tillar III is buried at Emporia Cemetery in Emporia, Virginia. He is remembered as a soldier, officer, athlete, and mentor, one who understood the cost of war, yet chose to stand in service when called.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
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