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Judge Donald J. Stevenson
Donald J. Stevenson graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1962. In 1963 he enrolled at Arlington State College and became a member of the Corps of Cadets. He served as a member of the Fourth Army Rifle Team and competed in the 1965 National Rifle Championships at Camp Perry, Ohio, a time that he refers to as the coldest winter he ever spent. He served the Corps of Cadets in positions of Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader and Company Commander. He graduated in 1966 with Bachelor’s degrees in English and History. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery.
Don attended the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course (OBC) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of the OBC, he was assigned to the 320th Field Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam as a Forward Observer. During this assignment he was wounded and returned to the U.S. for treatment. After a period of convalescence, he returned to Vietnam and was assigned to the 321st Field Artillery, supporting the 2d Brigade of the 101st, where he served as an FDO, FSO, XO, and Battery Commander, and later as a Battalion S3 Air.
On August 8, 1968, while participating as the Artillery Liaison Officer aboard the Command & Control helicopter in support of units from the 1st Bn, 501st Infantry, he participated in a cordon operation in the coastal area east of the city of Hué. After the initial assault, the battalion became engaged with what was estimated to be a company of Vietcong. LT Stevenson directed support fire, as well as firing his individual weapon to engage the enemy just 50 feet below, when his helicopter came under ground fire. He was recognized for his heroism under fire and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, an award rarely awarded to a non-aviator. The Battalion Commander said he had never seen another paratrooper who could get low enough to take cover behind a floor rivet in a Huey, and still fire out the door. Upon completion of his tour he was assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he served as the commanding officer of an Advanced Individual Training Company. Don was released from active duty in April 1970 and completed his Reserve commitment in August 1972.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and with Palm, and the Parachutist Badge. Don was also Jumpmaster qualified.
Upon his release from active duty he enrolled in law school at Southern Methodist University, and in 1973 he received his Juris Doctor degree. Upon receiving his law degree he embarked on an illustrious legal career that continues today.
Don was the founding member and managing partner for a private law firm in Dallas. He served as Senior Attorney for Business Operations for Ensearch Corporation from 1991-97; Senior Attorney for Texas Oil and Gas from 1984-91; and was Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel for Hunt International Resources Corporation from 1978-84.
Don started out as a part-time Municipal Judge for the City of Coppell and served in that position from 1972 to 1990. He served as the presiding judge for the City of Dalworthington Gardens from 1988-97. He was a member of the founding panel of volunteer judges for the City of Arlington’s Teen Court Program from 1986-1997. Although now an inactive program due to budget constraints, it served as the model for similar programs throughout the state of Texas. He served as a Special Trial Judge for the Dallas County Criminal Court of Appeals; served 10 years as an Officer of the Collin County Bail Bond Board; and later as a Board Member of Family Services of Plano (now Crossroads Family Services). Since 1997, Don has served as the Chief Municipal Judge for the City of Plano, with eight associate judges under his supervision.
Don and his wife Ellen reside in Allen, Texas. They have two children, Marc and Andi.