Don Carlos Hempstead Jr. was born on August 23, 1920, in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington. He was the son of Don Carlos Hempstead Sr. and Jessie Margaret Carlson Hempstead.

He served in Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Marine Regiment, V Amphibious Corps as a Second Lieutenant during World War II. He died from his wounds received in battle on July 25, 1944, during the Battle for Guam.

Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Don C. Hempstead, Jr. (MCSN: 0-19640), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Fifth Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi and Parry Islands, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshals Group, on 18, 19 and 22 February 1944. Dauntlessly leading his platoon in hand-to-hand combat immediately upon landing, First Lieutenant Hempstead pressed home the attack and, striking fiercely on both islands, neutralized the immediate opposition. When his platoon suffered heavy casualties in the assault on Parry island, he refused evacuation for his own wound and, determined to crush all resistance, continually exposed himself to enemy fire to lead his men in the offensive throughout the day. Quick to observe a fellow officer wounded and under attack, First Lieutenant Hempstead unhesitatingly went to his aid and, personally killing four of the Japanese and driving numerous others to flight with grenades and carbine fire, saved the life of his comrade. By his initiative, courage, forceful leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, he served as an inspiration to his men, and his gallant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com