For years children attending Lugoff Elementary were able to safely cross Highway 34 under the guidance of Mr. Donald L. Truesdell. Little did any of them know that the man handing out peppermint candies with one arm was the recipient of our nations most distinguished military recognition: The Medal of Honor.

This GoFundMe page intends to fund a memorial bench that will be placed at Lugoff Elementary to recognize Mr. Truesdell’s service to both his country and community.

Donald Leroy Truesdell was born on August 8, 1906, in Lugoff, SC. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November of 1924.

Cpl. Truesdell was second in command of a National Guard Patrol in active operations against armed Nicaraguan bandits in the vicinity of Constancia, Nicaragua, on 24 April 1932.

While Cpl. Truesdell’s patrol was on duty and in formation, a rifle grenade fell from its carrier, struck a rock, and ignited the detonator. Several men were close to the grenade and placed in immediate danger.

Cpl. Truesdale, who was several yards away, rushed for the grenade, picked it up and attempted to throw it while simultaneously shielding his men from the grenade.

Despite Cpl. Truesdell’s quick response, the grenade exploded in his hand and he absorbed the entire shock of the explosion.

Cpl. Truesdell lost half of his right arm from the elbow down and incurred a variety of serious wounds - but his action saved his patrol from loss of life or serious injury.

Cpl. Truesdell could have easily sought cover for himself but instead acted instinctively and selflessly knowing the grenade would explode within seconds. Cpl. Truesdell was also awarded the Purple Heart and Nicaraguan Cross of Valor for his actions.

Despite Cpl. Truesdell losing his right arm, he continued to serve with the Marine Corps where he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer. He retired in May of 1946 after 21 years of service.

In retirement Mr. Truesdell went back to Lugoff where he lived a quiet life as a farmer and served as a crossing guard at Lugoff Elementary.