Donald Owen Dencker

I knew Donald Denker only through correspondence in 2009, when I was writing a book, Dearest Olive, commemorating my father Howard Twining's experiences in the army during World War II. He too was in the 382 infantry regiment of Division 96, in K company, a companion company to Donald's L company. They saw all the same action. Donald's book, Love Company, was a great help to me in keeping my book accurate, and Donald was gracious and encouraging. Today the two books have a place of honor together on our family bookshelf. Donald and my father were indeed both stellar members of the Greatest Generation.

Donald Dencker was a typical American G.I. whose life was put on hold when evil forces engulfed the world. He willingly answered the call to do a dirty job, where ordinary boys learned to be men and did an extra ordinary job. Let us remember, throughout history ordinary men have done an incredible job for their country. War is hell but how else would a farm boy from Ohio meet a boy from Minnesota. It has been a pleasure to have known Don for many years and for our families to get to know each other. Good bye old buddy. Now you are starting another great adventure. Sincerely, Jim Foster, Co. L, 382nd Infantry Regiment

Don visited Torii Station in Okinawa several times to tell today's young Soldiers about the heroism of the Deadeyes. Here he is on June 22, 2005 at General Easley's monument.

http://rememberthedeadeyes.com/Dencker.html?fbclid=IwAR33ph0_PeiPHSaf6p21ammzY6fmaOOLdFq1JnSIzCzNYKUXZ_Q_PfOWRzo

Rest Donald, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation.