Donald discovered that directing traffic during war includes hazards other than vehicles.

Donald L. Rose was born July 26, 1886, in Howard Springs, Colorado, into the family of Fayette and Dora Rose. The family moved to Santa Cruz where his father was a partner in the firm of McMillen & Rose. After arriving in the county, Donald attended elementary schools before enrolling in Santa Cruz High School. The Rose family was also active in the Christian Church and young Rose served as president of the Christian Endeavor Union during his school years. Following graduation from high school in 1908, Rose attended the Eugene Oregon Bible College for a short period. After returning to Santa Cruz County, he settled at Corralitos.

It is not known when Rose enlisted in the army, but he likely entered the service during the latter half of 1917. California Adjutant General records indicate that, at the time of his enlistment, he was living in Merced, California. Upon completing basic training, he was assigned to Company A of the Fourth Military Police. Private Rose was sent to Europe about May 1918 and arrived in France in June. Soon after his arrival, a fellow soldier accidentally shot him in the leg at one of the American training camps and he was hospitalized until the following July. He returned to duty and was, according to one account, directing traffic at a dangerous cross roads in the Argonne Forrest on August 10, 1918, when an incoming artillery round exploded near him taking his life.

Private Donald L. Rose was initially buried in France; however, in 1921 his body was exhumed and returned to Watsonville. On July 28, 1921, the American Legion reinterred Donald Rose in Watsonville's Pioneer Cemetery.

(CAG; USCR, 1910 US Census, CA, Santa Cruz; SCSf October 15, 1918 1:3; SCSn October 17, 1918 4:4; WRP July 28, 1921 3:2; SCEN May 10, 1924)