Donald E. Young worked as a statistician for the U.S. Census Bureau for 35 years (1950–1985). He started in the Industry Division and later moved to the International Statistical Programs Office where he served as statistical advisor to the Government of the Philippines from 1956–1958 and 1961–1963; as a consultant to the governments of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Paraguay; and as a participant and speaker at international statistical conferences in China. He was awarded a Silver Medal for Meritorious Service from the Department of Commerce in 1970 for his work as Assistant Division Chief for Industry Surveys in the Construction Division. He also was awarded the Bronze Medal in 1985. Before retiring in 1985, he served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Director for Economic Fields.