| Donald Steven Runels | |
|---|---|
| Born |
July 8, 1904 Santa Maria, California |
| Died | November 30, 1942 (aged 38) Solomon Islands |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1926–1942 |
| Rank | Ensign |
| Unit | USS Northampton (CA-26) |
| Battles/wars |
World War II *Battle of Tassafaronga |
Donald Steven Runels was born 8 July 1904 at Santa Maria, California, enlisted in the United States Navy on 19 March 1926; was appointed machinist 14 September 1938; warranted machinist (to rank from 10 September 1938) on 25 November 1939; and commissioned ensign on 23 June 1942. Ensign Runels was killed when his ship, Northampton (CA-26) was torpedoed and sunk during the Battle of Tassafaronga 30 November 1942.
In 1943, the destroyer escort USS Runels (DE-793) was named in honor of Ens. Runels, sponsored by his widow, Mrs. D. S. Runels.