U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie ()
In a historic moment for the Republic of Palau, one of its own has achieved the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) in the United States Marine Corps. This achievement marks the first time a Palauan has attained the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps. On May 12, 2023 Master Gunnery Sgt. Milton Donatus was frocked at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam in front of a formation of Marines, family, Marine veterans, and the Consul General of the Republic of Palau on Guam.
Donatus, was born and raised in Ngkeklau in the state of Ngaraard.
“I remember growing up and before going to bed we would ask our grandmother to tell us stories about what it was like on the island during World War II. We didn’t have a TV back then,” said Donatus. “She would tell us stories about the Marines and how they saved groups of people who were going to be killed by the Imperial Japanese Forces. That’s when I knew, all I wanted was to be a Marine.”
At the age of 18, Donatus traveled 805 miles from Palau to Guam in hopes of joining the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, he was a couple of years too early as the Guam Marine recruiting station was closed down. He lived with his aunt and uncle and worked various jobs around the island until the recruiting station opened. Finally, on April 28, 2000, the recruiting station reopened, and Donatus was the first and only young man to enlist during the reopening ceremony.
At MCB Camp Blaz Donatus serves as the operations chief, and he is responsible for the establishment, management, and operation of the base’s current and future force laydown. He’s also the bases’ Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor.
“Master Gunnery Sergeant Donatus is a Marine’s Marine, and there’s no other Marine I would want as my operations chief,” said Lt. Col. Colter Bahlau, MCB Camp Blaz operations officer. “He exudes the patriotism that is rich within the Republic of Palau, and he sets the finest example when it comes to work ethic, physical fitness, and leadership.”
This summer Donatus will move to Twentynine Palms, California to serve as the operations chief for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. Since joining more than 23 years ago, he’s served in various locations around the world. He deployed to Fallujah, Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, and he deployed twice to Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.
The calling to be a Marine is now entrenched in Donatus’ family. He is the oldest of four brothers who all joined Marine Corps, and one of those brothers is a staff sergeant who continues to serve as a bulk fuel specialist. Donatus’ son, following in his father’s footsteps, is also a mortarman and an active duty sergeant serving with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Donatus’ daughter plans on joining the Marine Corps when she turns 18.
“I strive to live my life in a manner that inspires others to challenge themselves and take actions to change their future. If I didn’t take action and listen to my grandmother, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Donatus. “Every day I strive to be like my mentors who inspired and continue to inspire me.”
Donatus recognizes that the rank he now wears is not a personal achievement but a reflection of his mentors and the community that raised him.
“There are only a handful of Palauans who have achieved the rank of E-8 in the Marine Corps,” said Donatus. “They paved the way for men like me, and when they return to the islands they carry the pride and leadership qualities ingrained in Marines.”
As Donatus continues his service in the Marine Corps, he hopes his accomplishments will inspire future generations of Palauans to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
“I plan on staying in the Marine Corps until they are ready for me to get out,” explained Donatus. “I came here to do 20 years and that flew by in a flash. I have seven more years that I can serve, and I’m intending to stay for the whole 30.”
Photo caption:
U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Milton Donatus, operations chief for Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, speaks to those attending his frocking ceremony held at the base in Guam, May 12, 2023. A frocking ceremony allows a military member who is selected for promotion to wear their new rank prior to their official date of promotion. This achievement marks the first time a Palauan has attained the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps. Donatus is from Ngkeklau in the state of Ngaraard, Palau.
