Could the Port Chicago disaster have played a role in Donald's death?

Donald George Dalles was born on October 28, 1926, in Fresno, California, to Mr. and Mrs. George Dalles. The Dalles family also included two daughters, Cecile and Demetris. Donald attended local schools, where he may have met his future wife Louise.

Dalles probably enlisted in the US Navy in 1943 and after completing boot camp, he received additional training to become a coxswain. In September 1943, he was serving at the Oakland Naval Yard when he married Louise Swenson at the First Congregational Church in Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel of July 26, 1944 reported,
“Donald George Dalles aged 19 of Santa Cruz, died in Oakland July 19...Dalles, was killed in performance of his duty in a shipyard there.”

The specific cause or event that took the life of Donald Dalles has not been identified. His name is not included among the victims of the Port Chicago disaster that occurred at the same time and in the same vicinity as his death; however, a connection may yet be found.

His body was recovered and his remains were returned to Santa Cruz for a funeral and burial in Oakwood Memorial Park.

(SCR September 24, 1943-4, SCSn July 26, 1944 5:1)