Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum to Honor Minnesotan RAF Pilot Art Donahue in Special Event at MN History Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 4, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Olson
Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum
kolson@mnmilitarymuseum.org
651-212-0573
ST. PAUL, MN — Dec. 4, 2025 — The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, in partnership with the Harold C. Deutsch WWII Roundtable and the British and Commonwealth Remembrance Project, will host a special remembrance event on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, to honor the extraordinary service of Arthur “Art” Donahue, a Minnesotan and one of the very few Americans to fly with the British Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.
The program will run 6:00–7:00 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St. Paul. Admission is free and open to the public.
Notable Participants:
The event will include participation and remarks from distinguished representatives of the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom:
· Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis
· Wing Commander Barry Leonard, RCAF, Canadian Air Attaché
· Simon Nevin, OBE, UK Assistant Air and Space Attaché
· Fiona Barrett, Minnesota Regional Coordinator, British & Commonwealth Remembrance Project
These participants underscore the enduring transatlantic partnership forged during World War II and embodied in Donahue’s service.
About Art Donahue — A Minnesotan in the Battle of Britain:
Born in St. Charles, Minnesota, Art Donahue learned discipline and determination working on his family’s farm before discovering aviation at Max Conrad’s flight school in Winona. A gifted aviator, he earned his aircraft mechanic’s license and advanced through his private, commercial, and Airline Transport Pilot certifications—becoming the youngest pilot in Minnesota to do so at the time. Donahue worked for renowned aviator Max Conrad and even managed the airport in Conrad’s absence.
Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Donahue traveled to England shortly before the Battle of Britain and volunteered for service in the Royal Air Force, joining No. 64 Squadron. He quickly found himself in the thick of aerial combat. Early in his service, his Spitfire was struck and set ablaze; he bailed out but suffered severe burns to his face and hands. After months of recovery, he returned briefly to Minnesota a celebrated hometown hero and authored a bestselling memoir about his experiences.
Donahue later returned to duty, flying a Hawker Hurricane in the Middle East. During a chaotic aerial deployment from the carrier HMS Indomitable to Singapore, he narrowly escaped capture during the Japanese advance—an experience he documented in a second book.
He continued flying combat missions after returning to England. On one such mission, his aircraft was damaged during engagement with a German fighter. Donahue went down over the English Channel; neither he nor his aircraft were ever recovered.
He is remembered as the first American to see combat in the Battle of Britain, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his courage and service.
Event Program and Marker Unveiling:
During the event, the Museum will unveil a new historical marker honoring Donahue’s legacy. The marker will be permanently installed at the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley next summer as part of the Museum’s expanding interpretation of Minnesota’s World War II contributions—featured prominently in the Museum’s new galleries.
Following the remembrance program, guests are encouraged to stay for the Harold C. Deutsch WWII Roundtable at 7:00 p.m., featuring historian and bestselling author Alex Kershaw.
“Honoring Art Donahue isn’t just about remembering a remarkable Minnesotan—it’s about recognizing extraordinary courage at a moment when democracy hung in the balance,” said Kevin Olson of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum. “My mother survived the Battle of Britain as a child, and Art Donahue’s service reflects the enduring values of commitment, sacrifice, and international partnership that continue to resonate today.”
EVENT DETAILS:
Title: MN Remembers: Art Donahue
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St. Paul, MN
Cost: Free
Partners: Harold C. Deutsch WWII Roundtable; British and Commonwealth Remembrance Project
ABOUT THE MINNESOTA MILITARY & VETERANS MUSEUM:
The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum preserves and shares the stories, artifacts, and history of Minnesotans who have served in all branches of the military. Located at Camp Ripley, the Museum documents service from the Civil War to today through exhibits, archives, and educational programs. A new, expanded museum—featuring major World War II galleries—opens next summer. Learn more at mnmilitarymuseum.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Olson
Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum
kolson@mnmilitarymuseum.org
651-212-0573