Donald Zillgitt was born on February 26, 1944, in Inglewood, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 5, 1966, and completed basic training at NTC San Diego, California, in September 1966. Zillgitt next attended Storekeeper A School at Naval Station San Diego from October 1966 to January 1967, followed by Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training with Class 041 at NAB Coronado, California, from March to July 1967. His first assignment was with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado and deployed to Southeast Asia from August 1967 until he was killed in action in South Vietnam on May 12, 1968. Donald Zillgitt was buried at the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.