At 101 years old, Corporal Donald Graves continues to live with purpose, gratitude, and a deep love for people. A survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a Marine, minister, singer, speaker, and proud patriot, Don has spent more than a century witnessing history while inspiring generations with his remarkable story.
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1925, Don felt called to serve after the attack on Pearl Harbor. At just 16 years old, he attempted to enlist in the Marines but was told to return when he turned 17. He did exactly that, joining the Marine Corps in August 1942. A few years later, he would find himself in one of the worst battles of World War II — the Battle of Iwo Jima. Serving with the 5th Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, D-Company, Don carried a 72-pound flamethrower across the island’s unforgiving terrain. His battalion’s mission was to take Mount Suribachi. During the landing, Don prayed for the first time in battle. He prayed to God that if He would get him off the beach that he would serve Him the rest of his life.
Three days later, after fighting his way up Mount Suribachi, Don witnessed one of the most iconic moments in American history — the raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima. The image became a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, and victory. But the cost of that victory stayed with him. Over six brutal weeks of combat, Don witnessed devastating loss. The memories never fully left him. After returning home to Detroit and marrying his wife, Rebecca, he struggled quietly with the emotional scars of war while working a variety of jobs, including singing professionally.
Then, nine years after Iwo Jima, everything changed. After taking his landlord and his wife to a Billy Graham program, Don says he finally remembered the promise he had made to God on the beach at Iwo Jima.
“That very night, God started the work in me.”
Don entered ministry and served churches for 32 years with Rebecca faithfully by his side. The couple shared 70 years of marriage before her passing after a long battle with dementia. Even after retiring from ministry at age 82, Don never slowed down. After moving to Texas, he became a beloved public speaker throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Since joining Roll Call of North Texas in 2015, he has spoken at schools, churches, military organizations, businesses, and civic events, helping educate younger generations about service, sacrifice, and patriotism. His speaking engagements also helped fund veterans luncheons across North Texas.
Music remains one of his greatest joys.
“My favorite hobby is to sing!” Don says with a smile.
Over the years, he has performed the National Anthem and “God Bless America” at Texas Rangers games, celebrity softball events, fundraisers, and countless community gatherings. Even at 101, he still averages more than 100 appearances each year. When asked what continues to bring him happiness today, his answer is simple.
“I enjoy going out to breakfast almost every day and meeting up with friends.”
He also loves watching old movies, keeping up with current events, public speaking, and spending time with the people closest to him, including dear friends Kelly, Mary, Mitch, Tracie, and “the Skipper of the base.” After 101 years filled with both unimaginable hardship and incredible purpose, Don says the values that matter most are clear: “Love for God, the Bible and being able to work for a living.”
And his advice for living a meaningful life?
“Loving God, loving life, and having lots of friends.”
More than a century after his birth and more than 80 years after Iwo Jima, Corporal Donald Graves continues to remind others that freedom was never free — and that every generation has the responsibility to honor those who gave everything so others could have “many more tomorrows.”