Donald Bruce McCoig was born on January 21, 1946, in Van Nuys, California. His parents were Donald Bruce McCoig, who died in October 1966, and Phyllis McCoig, who died in May 1982. Donald, known as "Bruce" to his family, attended Thousand Oaks High School in Thousand Oaks, California, and graduated in 1964. Following high school, Donald signed on a lumber freighter and sailed as a deck hand to and from Australia. Upon return from his sailing adventure, Donald attended Venture College for a year, but left to join the US Army. Donald married his wife Margaret in May 1966, and left for the Army in June 1966. Prior to joining the Army Donald enjoyed driving his "Cobra" sports car and spent considerable time rebuilding it. His physical appearance and looks resembled that of Steve McQueen, and he was often harassed about the similarities. His surviving family remembers him as an easy going individual who was a friend to all, and one who was always ready and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Following the footsteps of his father, who served as a Chief Warrant Officer in World War II, and his Grandmother, who also served in World War II as a member of the Women's Army Corps, Donald entered the Army, completed basic training and graduated from helicopter pilot training in 1967. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, Nha Trang, RVN, on June 17, 1967. His death came as a result of hostile fire on March 29, 1968. His body was recovered and returned to his family who, after cremation, scattered his ashes at sea. For his service with the 281st AHC and to his country, Warrant Officer Donald Bruce McCoig was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal for Valor, and numerous other awards and service medals. On May 3, 2000, the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Drum, New York, recognized WO Donald McCoig's valor by naming a battalion headquarters in his honor. Donald was adopted by Jack Mayhew, jwmayhew@earthlink.net who completed his Book of Remembrance for the 281st AHC Association web site.

 

A memorial from his unit association, The 281st Assault Helicopter Company Association Contact Us 28 Nov 2001

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