Major Larson was from Yakima, Washington and was killed 4 August 1944 on a fighter mission over Germany while assigned to the VIII Fighter Command 505th Fighter Squadron.

He had flown 57 combat missions when his P-51 Thunderbolt (#44-13881) with the nose-name "Mary Queen of Scotts" was shot down and crashed near Ulzen, Germany.

He is buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery at Neuville-en-Condroz, nine miles (14 km) west of Liège, Belgium.

His medals and decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with three clusters, Purple Heart, American Defense Ribbon, European Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal.

Major Larson enlisted as a flying cadet at McChord Field, Tacoma, Washington in April 1941. He had flight training in California and went overseas in January 1944.

ID: O-431891
Entered the Service From: Washington
Rank: Major

Service: U.S. Army Air Forces, 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group
Died: Friday, August 04, 1944
Buried at: Ardennes American Cemetery
Location: Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz), Belgium
Plot: D Row: 11 Grave: 9

Awards: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters   

Larson Air Force Base was named in honor of Major Donald A. Larson in May 1950.