Donald Travis Renshaw was born in 1917 to Charles C. and Rose M. Renshaw who lived at 305 Main Street in Phoenixville , Pennsylvania.  Donald was the youngest of three sons: John T., Charles T. and Donald T.  His father, Charles C. worked as a clerk at Phoenixville Steel Company.

 Donald attended Phoenixville High School, then located on Nutt Road where the Phoenixville Hospital stands today.  He took the academic course of studies. Donald was in the Dramatic and Hi-Y clubs all three years, on the Dance, and the Prom Committees his Junior year, and the Purple and White Yearbook staff his senior year. He was on the football team all three years, and the heavy weight wrestling championship his senior year.  Donald graduated in 1936.

 Donald obtained employment with the F. duPont Nemoirs Company in Buffalo, New York.

 Donald enlisted in the Army Air Forces in January 1942.   He received training at Maxwell Field and Napler Fields in Alabama.   In September, Donald passed his examination at the Riddle Aeronautical Institute, at Dorr Field, Arcadia, Florida, after which he received his wings.   In June 1943, he received his certification as a command pilot of twin engined aircraft, at George Field, Illinois.   Donald was trained to fly B-25 medium Mitchell Bombers.

 In September, Donald was sent to California, then to active combat duty in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO).   He was assigned to the 823^rd Bomber Squadron, 38^th Bomber Group, Medium.

 The 823^rd was activated in Australia in April 1943 as part of the Fifth Air force.  They flew missions against the Japanese forces in New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago.  In  June the squadron began the process of transferring to Durand Airdrome at Port Moresby ,  New Guinea, constructing facilities for the squadron.   Donald’s Squadron began combat operations from New Guinea on October 15, 1943.

 Donald wrote home regularly, about twice a week.  He wrote that he met a number of Phoenixville boys over there, and was looking forward to reaching the 50 mission mark, upon which he would receive a furlough home.

 

 In late January, 2 of the Squadron B-25’s flew to Australia; one was piloted by Donald. On January 27^th they left Townsville, to rejoin their unit on New Guinea.  Donald’s aircraft developed engine trouble so he turned back for repairs.  He left the following day, on January 28^th, but his aircraft was never heard from again.

 On February 9, 1944, his parents received a telegram from the War Department, notifying them, that Donald was Missing In Action as of January 28^th.   Lieutenant Donald Travis Renshaw was Killed In Action on January 28, 1944.

 

 

His commanding officer, Captain Willmor L. Pavlich, wrote the following letter to his parents:

 In the short time that he served under me, Lieutenant Renshaw grew each day in the respect and admiration of the entire command.  His zeal in action, his extraordinary professional knowledge and the honesty of his character endeared him to all with whom he came in contact.

 The entire command joins me in expressing to you our sincere and heartfelt sorrow.  You may rest assured that the great work that he started will be continued and his name will live long within this organization.  You may be infinitely proud of your son, as we all are.

 The example of courage, friendliness and good sportsmanship which he set will always serve as a beacon to us.

 We are anxiously awaiting his possible return, If there is anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to call on me”

 Public law 490, 77^th Congress as amended necessitates a review and determination of the status of persons missing for 12 months.  Accordingly, the family received a letter from Major General J. A. Ulio, which read in part: 

“Since no information has been received which would support a presumption of his continued survival, the War Department must now terminate your son’s absence by a presumptive finding of death.  Accordingly, an official finding of death has been recorded.  The finding does not establish an actual or probable date of death; however as required by law, it includes a presumptive date of death.

 Donald is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing in Action at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.