Donald Charles Augustin

Don was born on June 7, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Florence E. Augustin and Joseph W. Augustin.

He began his distinguished military career by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1955 and was honorably discharged from active duty in 1960. He then continued his service in the United States Army. In August 1964, Don earned his Special Forces qualification, marking the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in elite military service.

From September 1964 to December 1965, he was deployed to Vietnam with Detachment A-312, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He later served from August 1966 to September 1967 with the 46th Special Forces in Thailand under the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), supporting regional operations during the Vietnam War.

During his third combat tour in 1970, Don sustained a back injury and was airlifted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Following his recovery in 1971, he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 10th Infantry, at Fort William D. Davis in the Canal Zone, Republic of Panama. After 24 years of honorable and dedicated service, he retired from the military in 1979.

Don’s service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” Device), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Combat Medical Badge, Parachutist Badge, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and multiple Good Conduct Awards.

While stationed in Panama in 1972, Don met the love of his life, Diana. They were married on June 3, 1972, in Colón, Republic of Panama, and shared a devoted and blessed marriage spanning 53 years.

Committed to lifelong learning, Don earned his GED in 1960. In 1973, he was selected to attend the second class of the Army’s Physician Assistant Course. He completed the program in 1975, earning an Associate of Science degree from Baylor University at the Academy of Health Sciences, U.S. Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He later continued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Regents College (University of the State of New York) in 1996, and in 1998, a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, graduating with highest honors.

In December 1983, Don began a new chapter of service when he joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, working in the Diagnostic Unit in Huntsville, Texas. He faithfully served in this role until his retirement in March 2002, concluding a remarkable career dedicated to helping others.

Don touched many lives with his deep patriotism, high-spirited nature, and complex sense of humor. Above all, he was a constant source of love and devotion to his family and friends. Driven by an endless thirst for knowledge, Don was a lifelong learner, especially dedicated to the field of medicine. He held a lasting passion for studying psychology, philosophy, history, and languages, always seeking to better understand the world around him.

He was particularly fascinated by influential historical figures who shaped society, and greatly admired individuals such as Albert Einstein, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and Friedrich Nietzsche. An unconventional and independent thinker, Don formed his own perspectives while drawing inspiration from respected leaders, scientists, and activists.

Throughout his life, Don found great fulfillment in a wide range of hobbies. He enjoyed weightlifting, marathon running, martial arts, and traveling, including cruising to new destinations. A lover of music, he often revisited his favorite artists and cherished Oldies classics. He was also drawn to the ocean, spending time at the beach and even taking up scuba diving, where he found a deep sense of peace.

After retiring from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Don relocated to Land O’ Lakes, Florida. There, he continued his commitment to service by volunteering with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Department and St. Joseph’s Hospital, giving back to his community in meaningful ways.

Don was a proud member of the Special Forces Association and the Special Operations Association. He joined Chapter XXI in Florida, where he valued the camaraderie and friendships he built. He looked forward to attending quarterly meetings, as well as the annual conventions, where he reconnected with both new and longtime members.

Don is survived by his wife Diana Augustin, his son Wun (Ana Lisa) Augustin of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, daughter Gina (William) Hansen of Tomball, Texas and six grandchildren. As well as by his favorite niece Sheilann (Thomas Ciampaglia) Hewitt. He also leaves behind several siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Religious Ceremony will be held at Church - Our Lady of the Rosary, 2348 Collier Pkwy, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639, US, on April 8, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

A Committal Service with military honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider a honorable donation in Don's honor to Our Lady of The Rosary Catholic Church of Tampa, that Don and Diana have been members of for 20 years.