Person Sheet
NameDonald James FITCHETT (Living, Male) 
FatherArthur Leroy FITCHETT (1911-1992)
MotherBirdella Phyliss WESCOTT (1915-1969)
Spouses
FatherMerle Voight HARBISON (1910-1989)
MotherIda Irene NIX (1919-1996)
Graduate: United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, 3 June 1959
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
I was born and raised in Merced, California, a small, rural agricultural community in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley. Academically I did well in high school and was considering all options for my college education. There was no military history in my family, but all that I read about West Point sounded interesting and exciting. My high school was not known for providing applicants to the military academies. Prior to my acceptance, the last person to attend was a cadet to USMA class of 1948. Thus it was that just a couple of short weeks after my high school graduation in June 1955, I boarded a train in Merced destined for the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. It was my first trip outside the state of California. I had no knowledge of what to expect or what adventures lie ahead.
I survived the initial summer training, 'Beast Barracks', at USMA and the entire 'Plebe' year. I persevered for the four years of academics and military training and graduated number 84 of my class of 499 in June 1959 with a BS degree in Military Science and a commission as a 2nd LT in the Army Corps of Engineers.
After a couple of more months of military training, including learning how to jump out of perfectly good airplanes, I returned to California long enough to marry my high school sweetheart, Margie Harbison, from Chowchilla, and we headed off for our first duty assignment with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA, where I gained experience as platoon leader, operations officer and company commander.
In early 1962 there was a requirement for engineer officers in Vietnam. I volunteered and was assigned as an engineer advisor to a Vietnamese training center from 1962-63. Margie moved back to California while I was gone. Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon.
Upon my return from Vietnam in 1963, I was selected for graduate school at the Air Force Institute Of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH. In 1965 I received my MS degree in nuclear engineering and Margie and I with our first born, son Jeffrey Scott, were assigned to the US Army Reactors Group, Nuclear Power Field Office at Fort Belvoir, VA, where I investigated advanced reactor concepts. But, Vietnam was heating up so in mid-1966 I returned for another one-year tour in Vietnam. Margie, with Jeff, returned to California. This time I was an engineer company commander with the 25th Infantry Division at Cu-Chi. Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, RVN Civil Actions Medal (First Class), RVN Cross of Gallantry w/Silver Star, RVN Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, RVN Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon 2nd Award.
In 1967, we returned to Fort Belvoir, VA, for more schooling, the birth of our daughter, Jennifer Dawn, and then finally an assignment to California. We reported to Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in Livermore for a three year assignment working in the PLOWSHARE (Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Explosives) program. Award: Meritorious Service Medal.
In 1971-72, following nine months of school at the Command & General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS, I was again sent overseas by myself to the Joint Military Assistance Advisory Group, Korea, where I was the engineer advisor to the Korean Army units along the western half of the DMZ. Margie and the kids again returned to California to wait out the year. Award: Joint Services Commendation Medal.
In 1973 we were assigned to the Department of Physics, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, where I was Asst. Professor and course director for the physics curriculum. Award: Army Commendations medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.
In 1976, Margie and I and the kids enjoyed our first overseas assignment together: I was to be the Commander of the 565 Engineer Battalion, the only float bridge battalion in Germany. These two wonderful years were followed by a one-year assignment as the Inspector General of VII US Army Corps in Germany. Award: Meritorious Service Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.
We returned to the Washington D.C. area in 1979, where, after my graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, I was assigned as Chief of Materiel and Safety at the Army Nuclear and Chemical Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA. Award: Legion of Merit.
The decision to retire from the Army in 1982 was a tough one. I was a Colonel (O-6), and could anticipate another command assignment, probably on the east coast. Jeff was ready to start college and we wanted him in the California university system. Jenny was ready to start high school. We decided that if I could find suitable employment in California, we would make the transition to civilian life. My nuclear warhead background was the key since few civilians had that experience and the required security clearances. I accepted the position of engineering manager at General Dynamics in San Diego.
My ten years at General Dynamics peaked then ebbed with the 'peace dividend' in 1989. Defense contracts were canceled and GD closed shop in San Diego. I moved into the construction quality control and safety fields, and finally in the year 2000 fully retired.
Margie and I live just outside El Cajon, CA, in the same home we purchased in 1982. Both Jeff and Jen are married, live in the San Diego area and have blessed us with adorable grandchildren: Sean (born 1992) and Lindsey (born 1996) Carnley; and Chandler Raye (born 1995) Fitchett. We enjoy our days gardening, visiting family and friends, and spoiling our grandkids.
1950 Census - 13th Street, Merced, Merced Co., CA
1960 Census - Steilacoom, Pierce Co., WA
1970 Census - Livermore, Alameda Co.,CA
1980 Census - Battersea Lane, Alexandria, VA
1990 Census - 1871 Vista Grande Ct., El Cajon, San Diego Co., CA
2000 Census - 1871 Vista Grande Ct., El Cajon, San Diego Co., CA
Member: Crandall Family Association (CFA) Member #405 - Donald J. Fitchett of El Cajon, CA. Donald James10, Arthur Leroy9, Alma8 = George Arthur Fitchett, Perry C.7, Washington G.6, Gardner5, John4,3, Peter2, Elder John1 Crandall.
Member: Society of the Descendants of Stukely Westcott of America; Member #1064 - Donald James FITCHETT12, Birdella Phyliss WESCOTT11, Claude DeLyle10, Earl Aldeo9, John Varnum8, Rial7, Arnold6, Stukely WESTCOTT5, Stukely4, Stukely3, Jeremiah2, Stukely1
Member: BURDICK Family Asssociation - Donald James FITCHETT11, Birdella Phyliss WESCOTT10, Claude DeLyle9, Earl Aldeo8, Chloe WHITFORD7, Olive BURDICK6, Amos5, Joshua4, Tacy MAXSON3, Tacy BURDICK2, Robert1