Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229), U.S. Navy

"For extraordinary heroism and courageous devotion to duty in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 August 1942 to 15 September 1942, in action with enemy Japanese naval forces in the Pacific War Area. Upon sighting a KONGO Class enemy battleship heavily screened by air and surface craft, Lieutenant Commander Donaho daringly maneuvered his ship to penetrate the enemy screen. In a bold, determined attack, he scored two direct hits, sinking an enemy patrol vessel and severely damaging the battleship which was observed to be burning fiercely one hour and fifty-three minutes later when the FLYING FISH returned to periscope depth after being driven deep by heavy enemy counter-offensive. The courage and skill displayed by Lieutenant Commander Donaho and the exemplary fighting spirit of his command were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229), U.S. Navy

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 27 October 1942 to 16 December 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Solomon Islands. With skillful maneuvering and outstanding seamanship, Lieutenant Commander Donaho, despite the great mental and physical strain caused by long patrols in enemy waters, relentlessly pressed home his attacks. Defying the ever-present danger of anti-submarine measures, the men under his command on the FLYING FISH directed their torpedo fire with such accuracy that two enemy destroyers were sunk, while their own ship came through unscathed. Lieutenant Commander Donaho's courageous devotion to duty and intrepid fighting spirit reflect great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Naval Service."

Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229), U.S. Navy

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), on its FOURTH War Patrol in the Pacific, patrolling the waters of the Marianas Islands from 5 January 1943 to 28 February 1943. Skillfully maneuvering his ship within striking distance of the enemy, Commander Donaho made repeated torpedo attacks against Japanese shipping, sinking four vessels totaling 28,000 tons, and damaging two others totaling 12,620 tons. Despite vicious and determined countermeasures, he and his gallant men brought the FLYING FISH through these actions with only minor damage and without personnel casualties. Commander Donaho's able and fearless leadership and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01227 (Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

April 24th, 1943

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), a United States submarine, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Area. Despite the strain of prolonged undersea operations in perilous hostile waters, Commander Donaho pressed home his relentless attacks with cool courage and outstanding ability, sinking an important amount of Japanese shipping. Employing skillful evasive tactics against the determined anti-submarine measures of ships and aircraft, he successfully completed the dangerous assignment by bringing his vessel to safety without having sustained disabling damage. His daring aggressiveness and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 34

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 4th, 1944

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), during a War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters. Taking expert advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy, Commander Donaho skillfully conducted aggressive, determined attacks and, by his forceful leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of strong, persistent hostile opposition, enabled his command to destroy an important amount of enemy shipping and severely damage many thousands of additional tons. His superb seamanship and the valiant devotion to duty of his officers and men under extremely hazardous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 45 (Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Picuda (SS-382), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 5th, 1945

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PICUDA (SS-382), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 July 1944 to 3 October 1944, and as Commander of the ELEVENTH Coordinated Attack Group of Submarines. Despite strong air and surface escort screens maintained around enemy shipping, Captain Donaho launched well planned and aggressive torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of five enemy freighters totaling 20,000 tons, and in the infliction of severe damage on a large 10,000-ton Japanese transport. In addition, he planned the actions of the attack group which sank sixteen enemy ships totaling 93,500 tons and damaged six other enemy ships totaling 49,000 tons and, escaping severe enemy countermeasures, brought his ship back to port. His professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 80 (Third Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross)

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Vice Admiral

Unit:

Military Sea Transportation Service, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 28th, 1967

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Military Sea Transportation Service, from July 1964 to February 1967. Assuming the responsibility for worldwide ocean delivery of Department of Defense personnel and cargo, Vice Admiral Donaho was challenged with the greatly accelerated military ocean movement requirements resulting from the conflict in the Republic of Vietnam. Through his personal foresightedness, leadership and unexcelled devotion to duty, he not only mastered this challenge, but also was instrumental in achieving a significant breakthrough in the deliver of the Department of State's Agency for International Development cargo for the Republic of Vietnam. During this same period, his efficient management techniques enabled his command to continue its demonstrated reliability for worldwide support of U.S. Government agency and military operations under ever-changing conditions. By his valuable and distinguished service throughout this period, Vice Admiral Donaho contributed greatly to the worldwide successful undertakings of the U.S. Government and its Armed Forces, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Board Serial 1253