Stories of Honor: Don McFaul

In this edition ofStories of Honor, we recognize Chief Petty Officer Donald L. McFaul, a man who exemplified the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and leadership through his steadfast dedication to service, commitment to his teammates, and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.

Don grew up in Bend, Oregon, and graduated from Bend Senior High School in 1975. Not long after, he enlisted in the Navy, ready to take on the challenges of service. His early days were spent as an Engine Specialist at Naval Station Treasure Island, but in 1977, Don found his calling in the Naval Special Warfare Community. He completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training (Class 95) in 1978 and joined SEAL Team ONE, where he deployed three times in support of Special Operations out of Subic Bay, Philippines.

After stepping away from the Navy in 1985 to pursue civilian life, Don soon realized that the challenges, camaraderie, and sense of purpose within the SEAL Teams were irreplaceable. He returned to the Naval Special Warfare Community in 1988, sharpening his skills at the Defense Language Institute for Spanish before joining SEAL Team FOUR. His deployments took him across the globe, including missions in the Persian Gulf and Panama, where he served with Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT.

It was during Operation JUST CAUSE in December 1989 that Don’s actions became a testament to his character. Leading his Gulf Platoon at Paitilla Airfield in Panama, Don and his team came under heavy fire. Without hesitation, he left the safety of his position to rescue wounded teammates who lay exposed. Carrying a comrade to safety, Don was mortally wounded, sacrificing his life to save others. His selflessness and bravery inspired his platoon to press forward and complete the mission. For his actions, Don was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.

Don’s legacy isn’t just defined by his accolades, but by the way he lived his life—with integrity, relentless determination, and a commitment to doing right by others. Through the eyes of his daughter, Dawn McFaul, we see the man behind the uniform—a father, a mentor, and a hero whose impact continues to shape those who knew and loved him.

Through her reflections, we uncover a powerful story of sacrifice, resilience, and enduring influence. Dawn begins by sharing who her father was to her, not as a decorated Navy SEAL, but as a guiding force in her life. "Don McFaul was my dad. He means everything to me," Dawn begins. "Growing up, if I had a problem I couldn't figure out, I would ask myself, ‘What would Dad do?’ If I still couldn't figure it out, well, Dad was a Navy SEAL—climbing over, going around, or eventually blowing it up were always options too.” Even though Dawn never had the chance to meet her father, his presence shaped her life in remarkable ways. He was more than a memory; he was a guiding force. The strength, resilience, and ingenuity Don embodied in his life became a benchmark for overcoming obstacles and persevering.

Dawn reflects on how her father’s service shaped her family and the ways she continues to honor his memory. "I didn't get to see the service part," Dawn reflects. "One day, I was all set for childhood premium—no subscription needed. And the next day, I wasn't. It was all before I was born. Every year, I do something to remember him. Sometimes I leave poems or other objects in places. Last year I upgraded his shadow box. This year, the event with the Memorial Valor Foundation takes the cake! It is so much more than I could have done on my own with so many people showing their support, and meeting people who were there as part of Operation Just Cause, that I would have never gotten to meet otherwise. Getting to see people execute shooting obstacles like my dad would have done, it's been pretty incredible.” Despite this absence, Don’s legacy filled the gaps. The bonds forged in blood, sweat, and tears through his service created an extended family. A network of "uncles" and a community that became a cornerstone of support. This network has stood by Dawn through life triumphs and challenges alike, embodying the camaraderie and brotherhood that defined Don’s life.

Navigating life as a Gold Star Family comes with its challenges; Dawn shares what has been most difficult and how she continues to find strength. "The hardest part was growing up without that Protector—the person who was there to offer wisdom and impart guidance," Dawn admits. "Trial and error has not been my favorite method of learning.” Still, not being strong was never an option for Dawn. "I’ve always found a way to improve or to rest for the next growth spurt. I’m sure that’s Dad’s influence. When your dad has been weighed and measured to be exceptional in athleticism, work ethic, and morals, it’s hard to imagine being anything else, especially when you love your father."

Dawn considers what she hopes others will remember most about her father’s life, service, and sacrifice. "I would like people to remember him not just by his badass athleticism but also by the fact that he always did right by people. In every area of his life. He wasn’t just a great Navy SEAL; he was a great friend and a great family man. He didn’t stop being a great person after 40 hours."

Don McFaul’s ultimate sacrifice reveals the depth of commitment required to serve others selflessly. By willingly putting himself in harm’s way, he exemplified the highest ideals of humanity, inspiring a sense of purpose that goes beyond individual gain. As a Navy SEAL, friend, and family man, Don embodied an unyielding sense of duty and a dedication to doing right by others. Don faced danger head-on, demonstrating the strength to overcome fear and reconcile the risks of death with a desire to protect others. His legacy continues to resonate, inspiring his family and community with his bravery and selflessness.

For Dawn, growing up as part of a Gold Star Family required resilience. Her journey, shaped by her father’s legacy, demonstrates the power of community and internal strength to navigate life’s challenges and honor his memory. Don’s leadership extended beyond the battlefield. Whether through his exceptional athleticism, work ethic, or personal integrity, he inspired those around him to act with courage and uphold their duty to one another. This leadership continues to echo through the lives he touched.

Through his actions and the reflections of his daughter, Don McFaul’s story reminds us of the qualities that define true heroism and humanity. It is a legacy that calls us all to honor those who serve and to strive for the best within ourselves.