Donald Ratcliff
Life Member / Post Commander - Marines

Don Ratcliffe, USMC (Ret.) passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 in Thousand Oaks, California after an extended illness.  He was a long time resident of Pattaya and an active member of VFW Post 9876.  He took over Leadership of the Post in 2003, when Post Commander Bob Dodson returned to the States.  Don was then re-elected Post Commander and served until 2008 when he earned All American status for our Post.  Don started his military career as an Enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 1958 and served as an Aviation Electronics Technician.  He served in tours to Cherry Point, NC, Atsugi, Japan, USS Independence, and Kaneohe, Hawaii.   In February of 1965, Don was selected to Officer Candidate School and had served tours in DaNang, Vietnam, Japan and Norfolk, Virginia.  He also served as Flight Test Officer and Program Manager at the Navy Office Grumman Aerospace Plant.   He retired from the Marine Corps in February, 1978 at the rank of Captain.  Throughout his career he earned the Vietnam Service Medal W/5*, Navy Achievement Medal w/V, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/palm, Presidential Unit Citation and Meritorious Service Medal. He is survived by his wife and two sons.  Our deepest condolences to his wife and family.