Gerald Donnellan has distinguished himself with acts of valor on the battlefields of Vietnam, as well as more than a decade of compassionate service to the veterans of Rockland County.

During his tour of duty with the U.S. Army, Mr. Donnellan and members of his platoon came under sniper fire while on march through the jungle. Shot in the arm and leg, Mr. Donnellan and his comrades sought refuge in a foxhole. Moments later, when a grenade was tossed into the ditch, Mr. Donnellan, unable to flee because of the severity of his wounds, instead tried to protect his unit by lessening the blast with his pack. The ensuing explosion resulted in the loss of one of his legs and a severe injury to one of his arms.

Mr. Donnellan’s battlefield heroism has carried through to his civilian life, where he continuously seeks to improve the lives of his fellow veterans as Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency. He was a driving force behind the effort to establish the Rockland County Veterans Homeless Shelter and the Rockland County Veterans Clinic. Mr. Donnellan is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.