But after almost 70 years he is proud to wear the medals which mark his service in World War 2.
Upon returning to New Zealand, in July 1946, an unhelpful officer told Mr Donaldson he would need to apply for his service medals.
After the man had caused him much frustration, Mr Donaldson told him ''he could stick them where the sun doesn't shine''.
''I objected to a certain part of [the process for applying for the medals] and so he walked away,'' he said.
''I don't know if he's alive or not, but we had a ding dong go.
''If not, he'll be turning in his grave.''
Mr Donaldson's daughter Karin Smith had put the work in to get the medals and his son Neville Donaldson organised a secret celebration at Queen Rose Retirement Home yesterday.
Mr Donaldson (92) was pleased and moved to be presented with the medals in front of the home's residents by Dunedin RSA Welfare Trust welfare officer Niall Shepherd.
''I had forgotten about them,'' Mr Donaldson said.
''We had several gos at getting the buggers.
''I had a lot of concern whether it was worthwhile or not.
''But it's what I really earned.''
Mr Donaldson enlisted in the New Zealand Army in March 1944 and served in Egypt, Italy and Japan.
Mr Shepherd said the acknowledgement was ''long overdue and well deserved''.
After Mr Donaldson was handed the medals, a fellow resident called out: ''They are beautiful, Dave''.
Mr Donaldson was awarded the Italy Star, the War Medal 1939-45, the New Zealand War Service Medal, the New Zealand Service Medal 1946-49 ''J Force'', the New Zealand Operational Service Medal and the New Zealand Defence Force Service Medal Clasp.
