Donald Dunstan graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and served in staff and regimental appointments in the South West Pacific theatre during WWII.
Following WWII, Dunstan served in Korea, two terms as an instructor at Duntroon, and a two-year period at the Staff College, Camberley, UK. From 1968 to 1969 he was the Deputy Commander of Australian Forces in Vietnam, and Commander from 1971 to 1972. From 1977 until his retirement in 1982, Dunstan served as Chief of the General Staff, the Australian Army’s highest appointment.
Knighted in 1980, Sir Donald Dunstan’s final public role was as Governor of South Australia from 1982 to 1991. His service in this role was recognised with the conferment of a Companion of the Order of Australia.