The Museum has launched a new social media series, Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum. This series supports our continued efforts to honor and remember our local veterans, with a focus on the job(s) they performed while in service. Check it out:
Today we will be spotlighting Don Mueller. Don served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957.
“My military service taught me a number of things that served me well in civilian life. A strong sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and living up to my commitments.”
Mueller served in Mannheim, Germany with the 2nd Armored Division, from June 1955 until June 1957. The last year of the German occupation was in 1955, after WW2. He worked on tanks as a turret artillery repairman. He repaired all functions of the tank turret, including removing and replacing worn gun tubes.
He was assigned temporary duty to the British zone in northern Germany, sent to assist in the 7th Army tank gunnery exercises. The British base was on the site of the former Nazi extermination camp Bergen-Belsen where he saw some very disturbing sights.
In the fall of 1956, during the Hungarian uprising against the Soviet Union, the 2nd Armored Division was alerted for possible movement to the Czech border to support the Hungarians. This did not end up happening.
Mueller retired from the Army in 1957, with the rank of Corporal. He was awarded the German Occupation Medal, Overseas Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
After his service Don went to work and owned a retail business in San Luis Obispo for many years. Mueller has been a volunteer with the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum for the past 15 years. He is a member of the 2nd Armored Division Association and American Legion Post #66 in San Luis Obispo.
Thank you Don for your service!