Don Tillotson
Don Tillotson, 2007 (Interviewed by Julia Monczunski)
- Branch of Service: United States Navy
- Highest Rank: E-6
- Military Service: Enlisted, June 1943 - December 1962
Topic:
- U.S.S. Bowers DE 637 Kamikaze Attack
Donald Roger 'Don' Tillotson Obituary
This story was recorded at an SDPB event in Hot Springs, SD.
This is a damaged Japanese saber Don Tillotson recovered from the kamikaze pilot that hit his ship. The damaged saber is shown next to an undamaged saber Don Tillotson purchased after the attack.
Don Tillotson shows the audience a damaged Japanese saber that was worn by the kamikaze pilot that attacked his ship on April 16, 1945.
"I didn't have sense enough to be scared." Local man survives kamikaze attack (Rapid City Journal article provided by Don Tillotson)
Photo taken of the U.S.S. Bowers DE 637 after kamikaze attack damaged the bridge. Mr. Tillotson commented, "The Bowers suffered more casualties in a single incident than any other destroyer escort in WWII."
Photo taken of the U.S.S. Bowers DE 637 after kamikaze attack hit the bridge.
New bridge for blasted warship (Clip provided by Don Tillotson)
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