Joseph MacDonald, one of the last veterans of the World War II-era battleship USS Nevada, passed away at the age of 100 in St. Augustine, Florida, on March 17. MacDonald served as a boatswain mate third class during pivotal battles such as the invasion of Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. His grandson, Geoff Price, reflected on the importance of his grandfather’s generation, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping history.
The USS Nevada, commissioned in 1916, played a significant role in several major wartime events, including being the only battleship to get underway during the Pearl Harbor attack. John Galloway, a historian of the Nevada, noted the dwindling number of World War II veterans, indicating the closing chapter of an important historical era.
MacDonald, who came from a family of sailors, was drafted in 1943 and expressed pride in his service. His role on the Nevada involved overseeing other sailors and handling ammunition. Despite the dangers, he maintained good morale and believed in the importance of their mission.
Following the war, MacDonald continued his service in the U.S. Border Patrol, becoming the oldest living agent at the time of his passing. Remembered as a devout Catholic and a humble individual, he took pride in his time on the Nevada. His family described him as cheerful and genuinely interested in others’ well-being.
Though he rarely spoke about his experiences, MacDonald acknowledged the significance of his contributions. He viewed his service as fulfilling his duty as a citizen and approached each battle as another engagement without fully realizing their historical importance at the time.