Longtime Healdsburg Resident, 95, Lauded For His WWII Service

Sonoma County native Dan Ingram, 95, was honored Thursday at the Healdsburg District Hospital for his service in the Merchant Marines during World War II.

M.O.M.S (Mothers of Military Service) arranged the celebration where he was surrounded by family and friends and presented with a flag pin and tributes from the VVA Vietnam Veterans of America, Michael Ottolini of AMVETS Post 40 of Sonoma County, Stanley Fife with Vet Connect and the Santa Rosa Quilters Guild, whose members bestowed a beautiful quilt on the veteran.

Born in in Yorkville in 1918, Ingram lived his life throughout Sonoma County, mostly in Healdsburg, married to the love of his life, Dollie, who passed away in 2009.

He has four children 19 grandchildren, and many, MANY great- and great-great- grandchildren. 

Ingram worked in many professions, but retired from real estate while working for Giovanonni & Co. 

And once retired, he and his wife Dollie traveled the U.S. as "snowbirds," even managing an RV park in Yuma, Ariz. before finally moving back home.

Ingram's time in the Merchant Marines from 1941 to 1945 was spent in the South Pacific. 

He recalls first even learning a war was underway while fishing for salmon when his Uncle Elmer Hiatt came and told him the news.

Ingram enlisted and served as a dishwasher, swearing to this day it was the best job on the ship. Once the supper dishes were done, he says, you were done for the day.