He was born in Giles County, TN on April 4, 1935. He attended Campbellsville High School where he was a star football player. Minatra voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army in 1954, where he completed his education, and began a career which lasted 20+ years, becoming one of the most decorated soldiers from the state of Tennessee to serve in Vietnam, and one of the most decorated soldiers in Giles County history. He served honorably with the 101st Airborne Division and with the elite soldiers of the U.S. Army Rangers. He was veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War, where he volunteered for three tours. He received, among other awards for gallantry and valor in combat, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal. In 2001, following his retirement from the Army, Minatra was inducted into the prestigious Army Ranger Hall Of Fame (RHOF) located at their headquarters at Fort Benning, GA. More recently in September 2017, Minatra’s military service was highlighted in a submission for the U.S. Congressional Record by Congressman Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, followed by a celebration with family, friends, and retired members of the 75th Ranger Regiment from Tennessee.
Dorval Minatra was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Christine Hutton Minatra of Pulaski, and by his parents, David W. and Aileen Cardin Minatra and his youngest brother Phil Minatra.
Survivors include three children - their twin sons, Barry Minatra and wife Renee of Memphis, TN, Larry Minatra of Pulaski, and their daughter, Melissa Firetti and husband Mike of Rehoboth Beach, DE. Minatra is also survived by his brother Charles Lane Minatra of Rockvale, TN, and by 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Pulaski
at 407 South 1st Street Pulaski, TN 38478
Visitation will be on Friday, March 9, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
at Carr & Erwin Funeral Home in Pulaski.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Carr & Erwin Funeral Home in Pulaski. Burial to follow in Giles Memory Gardens.
Carr & Erwin Funeral Home
1228 East College Street
Pulaski, Tennessee
931-363-1533
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