Donald Conroy
| Donald Conroy | |
|---|---|
| Born |
April 4, 1921 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | May 9, 1998 (aged 77) Beaufort, South Carolina |
| Place of burial | Beaufort National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1941-1974 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | VMF-214 |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Korean War *Battle of Pusan Perimeter *Battle of Incheon *Battle of Chosin Reservoir Vietnam War |
Donald "The Great Santini" Conroy (April 4, 1921 – May 9, 1998) was a United States Marine Corps colonel and a member of the famed Black Sheep Squadron during the Korean War. He was also a veteran of World War II and of two tours of duty in Vietnam. He is best known for being the inspiration for the character LtCol. "Bull" Meecham in The Great Santini which was written by his son Pat Conroy.
Conroy was originally from Chicago, and left Saint Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, to enlist in the Marines during World War II. He would later be commissioned an officer and become a pilot with VMF-214 when the Korean War began in June 1950. The squadron became the first Marine squadron to see action during the War providing close air support and aerial interdiction during the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, Battle of Inchon and Battle of Chosin Reservoir while flying from the USS Sicily (CVE-118). During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Conroy was part of an A-4 Skyhawk squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. They were alerted and would quickly deploy to Roosevelt Roads Naval Station where they would remain for the duration of the crisis. He would also serve two tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
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