Career
During the early months of World World War II he served on United States Ship Enterprise (CV-6) as a gunner’s mate first class. On 26 October 1942 United States. carrier task forces fought a numerically superior Japanese force in the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands. While suffering considerable damage, the Americans successfully checked the advancement of the powerful enemy force toward Guadalcanal.
During the fierce air battle McAnn took valuable photographs from an exposed position on the forward port.50 caliber gun mount.
In addition he rendered vital assistance to the gun crew and displayed outstanding courage without regard for his own safety. While relieving one of the gunners, he was struck by an exploding bomb fragment and fatally wounded.
Donald Roy McAnn was buried at sea. The United States Ship McAnn (Delaware-179) was named in his honor.
The ship was launched 5 September 1943, sponsored by Mistress
Ethel Marie McAnn, and commissioned at New York 11 October 1943.