He was born December 21, 1928 in Glen Rock, New Jersey to parents Norman S. Greenlaw and Camille Bryan. His passing was preceded by all of his siblings from this marriage including Norman ”Bud” Greenlaw Jr. , Helen Seay and Harry “John” Greenlaw.
He married Rosemary Graham from Pensacola, Florida in 1952 in Pascagoula, Mississippi and remained happily married to the love of his life for 61 years until her passing in 2013. They met while he was stationed at US Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Rosemary worked in the PX on the base and Don was a young marine who she thought was very handsome.
Don is survived by his two sons James “Jim” Greenlaw of Oceanside , CA and Robert “Bob” Greenlaw of Avalon, CA. Survivors also include six grandchildren Rachelle Greenlaw, Janelle Bradford, Christine Vaughan, Bryan Greenlaw, Kyle Greenlaw and Brianna Greenlaw; and five great-grandchildren Jillian Bradford, twins Ben and Kate Bradford, Nora Vaughan and Kenzie Vaughan.
Don entered the United States Marine Corps in June of 1948 upon completion of his studies at Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He spent 27 months of sea duty aboard the carrier USS Midway operating in the Mediterranean Sea area as part of the Ship’s Company, Marine Detachment. In June of 1951 he was assigned to combat duty in Korea with the 1st Marine Division. On the 20th of May, 1952 (then serving as Marine Gunner Section Leader) Don was wounded by an enemy sniper, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. He was medivaced to the Battalion Aid Station, treated and returned to duty. Upon returning to the CONUS as a Staff Sergeant he served in various duty assignments and in 1957 was assigned to the Marine Corps Drill Instructor School at Parris Island, SC and completed a successful tour.
In 1960, Greenlaw was promoted to First Sergeant and served numerous stateside and overseas assignments.
In May 1962, because of his superb military record and accomplishments, he was nominated and selected to serve as Warrant Officer. In November 1964 he was designated a Marine Gunner. He was later selected for 2nd Lieutenant and then 1st Lieutenant, and promoted. During this period he served two tours in the Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. In 1968, Greenlaw was promoted to the rank of Captain and served various assignments until his retirement in July 1971 after serving 24 years of faithful and loyal service to our nation.
Captain Greenlaw’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, Purple Heart Medal, Navy Commendation Medal w/ “V”, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal w/ 3 stars and 15 other Unit Awards and area campaign medals.
Upon retirement from the Marine Corps Don entered civilian life and was retrained as a bank financial officer. He worked for several different major banks as the Vice President / Bank Manager during this part of his career. He finally retired in 1999 to spend more time with Rosemary and the rest of the family. Once he retired, Don and Rosemary relocated back to the Oceanside area in 2001 to be closer to family.
Don was known by everyone as “Captain” or “The Captain” as this term of endearment continued to follow him into his civilian life after he retired from the United States Marine Corps. Don was a Marine’s Marine always living up to “Semper Fi”. He shared that one of the most rewarding and satisfying tours of duty was the time he spent as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina. He said this is where you would take in a raw civilian youngster and in 12 weeks turn him into a Marine Warrior. After he retired he continually supported those that served in the beloved Corps. He regularly visited Camp Pendleton in support of the active duty troops. Don volunteered extensive time to a multitude of military organizations including the VFW, American Legion, DAV, MOPH, Marine Corps Mustangs, MOOA, DI Association. In many of these organizations he served on their executive boards.
A memorial service is planned on September 28, 2018 at Eternal Hills Mortuary, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. Viewing is from 0900 to 1000 and services will follow from 1000 to 1200.
A Celebration of Life will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to semperfifund.org.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18