Donald Weiss of Missouri, U.S.A served in the United States Army during the Second World War. He landed with his guitar in Belfast on 26th January 1942.
Donald Weiss served in the United States Army during the Second World War. He hailed from the state of Missouri, U.S.A. Before the outbreak of war, Donald had worked as a meat cutter in his hometown.
Weiss arrived in Northern Ireland on 26th January 1942 aged 25 years old as part of the first contingent of American troops. With him, he brought his trusty 100-dollar guitar. When asked about his instrument by a reporter from the Northern Whig newspaper, Weiss stated:
Well, I can play that thing and the boys might like a little music. As a matter of fact, one of my favourite pieces over in Missouri was ‘The Dear Little Shamrock’, and I decided if I came over here it would only be right to have my guitar along to play that song.