Donald E Brosius was born on December 14, 1928 to Walter and Edna Brosius of Frackville, Pennsylvania. Donald was an only child. The family later moved to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Donald graduated from Kennett High School in 1946.

Donald enlisted in the Army on June 11, 1946 but was released due to downsizing in October, 1947.  He later returned to the Army on December 9, 1963. 

Donald achieved the rank of Master Sergeant (MSG) in the Army. He was assigned to the 25th Ordnance Detachment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) ), 6th Ordnance Battalion, 45th General Support Group, Army Support Command Qui Nhon, 1st Logistical Command, An Khe, Binh Dinh (today called Gia Lai Province), Republic of Vietnam. 

MSG Donald Edward Brosius was killed on July 19, 1968, when the M37 ¾-ton truck he was riding in was involved in an accident west of An Khe. Donald and SP4 Patrick R. “Frenchie” Lilly who was driving were responding to a call for Explosive Ordnance Disposal assistance. The vehicle Donald was riding in was trying to keep up with a Military Police lead vehicle on the rain slick highway when his vehicle skidded out of control. The vehicle went off the road and overturned. Donald was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries. Partrick Lilly sustained a back injury.