Grave marker for Merle R McDonald in Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona (Dane county), Wisconsin

Neil enlisted in the Army at Camp Croft, SC on 12 October 1942.

Pfc McDonald was reported  MIA on 6 June 1944 but determined to have been wounded in action and in hospital as of 24 June.  He was ale to rejoin the company on 27 July.

He was wounded a second time in Holland on 10 October 1944 and was unable to return until 22 April 1945.

On 27 July 1945, Pfc McDonald was listed on orders transferring 508th personnel to 19th Reinforcement Depot for shipment home.

He was discharged on 13 September 1945.  His military decorations include the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Combat Infantryman badge and Bronze Service Arrowhead device, both awarded for action during the Normandy, France Campaign.