Posted by richard c. kimball on June 12, 2023:

To Donald's family. was shocked and sadden to learn of the death of Col Dreesbach. We had stayed in touch for many years after I purchased his 1958 Mercedes in 1977 when he was at West Point. We lost touch it seems maybe 3 years ago and was following up today and learned the news. Don was special the day I arrived to answer his "for sale 1958 Mercedes 220S " in the New york times. arriving at his place at West Point was an awesome experience. Don appeared at the door with a silver jump suit. He was as handsome as it gets and stood straight as an arrow. When i noticed several scars on his face he smiled asnd said" so you noticed....shot down over Vietnam" was his comment. Small smile. On the living room floor were spread dozens of photos of his restoration of the car. Under his breath he said " need to sell it as my wife wants to move off base" I wasnt sure if this was true but I smiled. After some time of discussing each photo I was getting anxious and said " Could I see the car?" Oh yes he said and at lasy he showed me this magnificant automobile. Don had done a truly extradinory job of restoration and a few days later we picked it up and drove to our home in New Hampshire. I'm not sure but I thought I might have seen a small tear in his eye as we drove off. But then again it was a misty day. Don and I stayed in touch a bit over the next 40 years and from time to time he would find something ( like the original registration) and would send it to me. I seem to recall that he restored a couple of other classic cars maybe a jaguar or MG. I took Don's car out for a drive today ( that June 12, 2023) and that is what prompted me to think of him and thus this contact to West Point. My so sad to learn the news today but I hope this note will find its way to his family. While our relationship was brief the memory of him and his work on this car fills me with an emotion that is hard to express. God Bless Don and thank you for your service to our country. And thanks for the car!! Fondly, Richard Kimmball, Chattanooga Tennessee

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