In Memory of Don Pfanz: Bert Dunkerly
“We Sometimes Meet Our Heroes”
To be honest, I don’t like the word “heroes,” but I’ll use it here, as it captures my intent. We all have people we admire and look up to. Sometimes we get to meet them, though often we don’t. It is indeed special when we can. Don Pfanz was part of the generation of historians who preceded mine. As my colleagues and I were part-time seasonal rangers, starting our careers in the history field, people like Don were the established authority. They laid the groundwork for the knowledge we have: wrote the basic histories, compiled the research, and developed the interpretation. When I was starting my career, I looked at those working at the battlefield parks as a special generation.
Don is well known for his work with the Park Service. What I admired even more was his role in establishing what is now the American Battlefield Trust. He and his contemporaries literally created the modern battlefield preservation movement. That is perhaps his most lasting legacy.
I never worked with Don at the NPS, but he did invite me to help with a project after he retired: a book on the Overland Campaign. I was so excited when he asked me to help. No Turning Back was an enjoyable project with him (and Dave Ruth). It was also my first ECW book.
Don’s enthusiasm was contagious, and his willingness to share was legendary. He was genuine. And he made a difference.
