The
VOLUME 58
PITTSBURGH, PA — JULY, 2003
NUMBER 1
A Tribute To Our Nurses
The Executive Board has approved the 2004 Convention
as being a tribute to the nurses who served in the Philippines
defense. Throughout this year we will plan to honor the “Angels
of Bataan.” If any members can add to this project please send
your stories and pictures to The Quan editor.
The American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor Inc. are
indebted to Madeline M. Ullom for remembering us in her will.
As Madeline was one of the nurses who came to most of our
conventions and always said she wanted to be with the troops,
we plan to use the money to honor all the nurses throughout
the year.
National Commander
Our newly elected National Commander John H. Oliver
and 1st Lady Dawn Oliver. We wish them to have a successful
term in office and may God Bless America.
Double Honors
Madeline M. Ullom MS, RN, Colonel,
United States Army Retired
First Janet C. Hindson Award
Recipient — 1998
May 14, 1998, Thomas
Jefferson University Hospital
Department of Nursing held the
Janet C. Hindson Award Luncheon and presented Colonel Ullom
with the first award.
For nearly three years as a
prisoner of war in internment
camps on Corregidor and Manila,
Colonel Madeline Ullom, in the
midst of unspeakable horror, disregarded her own suffering and
ministered to the needs of thousands of soldiers, sailors and
marines. In makeshift operating
rooms and medical and surgical
wards she remained faithful to the
ideals of her profession and country as she strove to enhance the
physical, mental and spiritual well being of her patients and
colleagues. After being liberated Madeline Ullom continued to
serve her country and achieved the rank Colonel in recognition
of her contributions and leadership.
The award is a beautiful piece of lead crystal custom
designed, approximately 6 inches at the base and tapers to 18
inches tall. At the top is the Jefferson logo, recipients name
and date. The Jefferson Nurses Cap is etched in the crystal
and on the base is inscribed — The Janet C. Hindson Award.
Doctor of Humane Letters
At the 174th Commencement for the Thomas Jefferson
University College of Health Professions on Friday, May 15,
1998, Colonel Madeline M. Ullom received a Doctor of
Humane Letters certificate and a Jefferson hood.
Madeline was born on New Years Day in 1911 in O’Neill,
Nebraska. She became a school teacher in Nebraska but later
decided on a nursing career, in part because she had a sister
who was an Army nurse. In September of 1934, she and 60
other nursing students enrolled in the Jefferson nursing program.
After earning her diploma from Jefferson in 1938, Madeline
Ullom joined the United States Army and was assigned to Walter
Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. In 1940, she volunteered for duty in the Philippine Islands and was assigned to
(Continued on Page 4)
The
Dedicated to those persons both living and dead who fought against
overwhelming odds against the enemy at the outbreak of World War II.
Official Publication of the
AMERICAN DEFENDERS OF BATAAN & CORREGIDOR, INC.
(INCLUDING ANY UNIT OF FORCE OF THE ASIATIC FLEET, PHILIPPINE ARCHIPELAGO,
WAKE ISLAND, GUAM OF THE MARIANA ISLANDS, AND DUTCH EAST INDIES)
PUBLISHED 5 TIMES A YEAR
HONORARY OFFICERS
Harold E. Feiner ................................................Honorary Vice Commanders
Paul Reuter
JOHN H. OLIVER
AGAPITO E. SILVA
Commander
1400 Ocotilla Dr.
Marble Falls, TX 78654
Jr. Vice Commander
Nat’l. Treasurer
1820 La Poblana, N.W.
201 Hillcrest Dr.
Albuquerque, N.M. 87104 Wellsburg, W.VA. 26070
304-737-1496
AGAPITO E. SILVA
MRS. JEAN PRUITT HAROLD E. FEINER
Sr. Vice Commander
Merchandise Sales
1820 La Poblana, N.W.
109 Young Dr.
Albuquerque, N.M. 87104 Sweetwater, TN 37874
EDWARD JACKFERT, PNC
Judge Advocate
14565 S.E. 90th Ave.
Summerfield, FL 34491
MEMBERS OF THE INVESTMENT BOARD
Edward Jackfert Co-Temporary Secretary Joseph A. Vater
One Year Term (Class C) Two Year Term (Class B) Three Year Term (Class A)
PNC Joseph Ward
PNC Omar McGuire
PNC John Oliver
PNC Ralph Levenberg PNC Arthur Akullian
PNC John M. Emerick
PNC James Flaitz
PNC Andrew Miller
PNC Joseph L. Alexander
Henry Cornellisson
Charles Dragich
Neal Harrington
Charles B. Heffron
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Charles Graham
Pete Locarnini
Albert Felsen
Carlos Montoya
All Incumbent State Commanders
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
801 Huntington Avenue, #53
Warren, IN 46792
JOHN CRAGO PNC
PAUL REUTER
MARTIN S. CHRISTIE
Membership Chairman
United Methodist Memorial Home #53
801 Huntington Ave.
Warren, IN 46792
219-375-2286
JOSEPH A. VATER PNC
OMAR L. McGUIRE
Adjutant & Legislative Officer
516 Sandy Pl.
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Editor of Quan
Co-Chairman Site Committee
18 Warbler Drive
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
412-771-3956
Fax: 412-875-6606
DUANE L. HEISINGER
Executive Secretary
7401 Bull Run Dr.
Centseville, VA 20121
703-222-2480
ANDREW MILLER
Historian
1605 Cagua Drive N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87110
REV. ROBERT W. PHILLIPS
Chaplain
200 Seneca Trail
Maitland, FL 32751
DR. WILLIAM R. BRENNER
Surgeon
1006 State St.
Larned, KA 67550
Thanks
The Convention Committee wishes to thank the local
members of A.D.B.C. in the Albuquerque area for the cooperation and help for the 2003 Convention, when the local members stepped forward and took on some of the local details.
Being 2000 miles away, you men saved us the need to make
another trip. The way airline traffic is these days, it isn’t fun.
Thanks fellows.
————————
Harold Spooner
*Rev. Albert D. Talbot
James McEvoy
*M/Gen. E.P. King Jr.
Simme Pickman
Albert Senna
*Maurice Mazer
Joseph A. Vater
*Lewis Goldstein
*Albert C. Cimini
*Samuel M. Bloom, M.D.
*Kenneth J. Stull
*Harry P. Menozzi
*John F. Ray
*Samuel B. Moody
*Arthur A. Bressi
*John E. Le Clair
Necrology Committee Chrmn.
23424 Mobile St.
West Hills, CA 91307-3323
Past Commander
2850 Alder
Eugene, OR 97405
RALPH LEVENBERG, PNC
Special Projects
2716 Eastshore Dr.
Reno, NV 89509
PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS
*James K. Cavanaugh
*Thomas A. Hackett
*Bernard Grill
Louis Scahwald
*Jerome A. McDavitt
John M. Emerick
*Joseph T. Poster
*John Bennett
*James D. Cantwell
Ralph Levenberg
*Elmer E. Long, Jr.
*Philip Arslanian
John Rowland
John Crago
Edward Jackfert
*John R. Lyons
*Ken Curley
Looking Forward
Now that Albuquerque is history, we must look forward to
2004. We will have a good program planned around “A Tribute
to Our Nurses”, our Angels.
Place:
Dates:
Returning Home:
Cost:
Rates:
Orlando Airport Marriott
Tuesday, May 4, 2004 to Saturday, May 8
Sunday, May 9, 2004
Your loose change
$72.00 s/d.
Rates good for two days forward or back
Gen. Edward D. Baca (Ret.)
Anyone who has heard General Edward D. Baca (Ret.)
speak would think General Baca was on our payroll. He has a
greater knowledge of our history than we do. His knowledge of
the Philippine defense is a real history lesson. We thank you
General for your time and for your kind words.
————————
2 — THE QUAN
Henry J. Wilayto
*Charles Bloskis
Arthur Beale
Andy Miller
*Joseph Matheny
*George Wonneman
Frank Bigelow
*Charles L. Pruitt
Melvin L. Routt
James R. Flaitz
John Koot
*Roy Y. Gentry
Edward Jackfert
Joseph L. Alexander
Joseph Ward
Omar McGuire
May 1, 2003
TO:
SUBJECT:
All ADBC Members
Membership
Life Members ............ 2687
Widows ......................1702
John Crago
Membership
58th Annual Convention
Albuquerque, N.M. & Beyond
By Edward Jackfert, PNC
The years seem to go by very rapidly as we get older. From one convention to another it appears as if it was just a short time
ago. This year, arriving at the Pittsburgh airport our flight to Albuquerque was scheduled to depart on May 19th at 10:45 AM. Knowing
that we had to go through a thorough security check, we arrived one hour and forty five minutes ahead of departure time. The
Pittsburgh airport had recently installed x-ray devices to examine all baggage of passengers. It was a little more tedious than we anticipated and my luggage was opened by one of the inspectors who remarked “everything was packed very neatly,” however, when we
got through, the neatness had gone by the way. Our flight was on America West and we had to go to Phoenix where we changed
planes and went back east to Albuquerque. By the way, all passengers were duly notified that the airline provided no food whatsoever
on the flight which was four hours in length. Henrietta and I purchased a few snacks to provide us some nourishment for the trip.
We arrived in Albuquerque at 4:30 PM and took the shuttle to the Albuquerque Hilton and immediately checked in. To our
surprise, there were a number of widows and members already checked in at the hotel. There was the usual gathering of conversationalists among the early arrivals that evening including Senior Vice Commander John Oliver who had driven in from the great state
of Texas and John Moyer who had flown in from Hawaii. On Tuesday a greater influx of members, wives, widows and friends began
to arrive and check in at the hotel. That evening there was a cash bar reception in the Southwest Ballroom. Once again there was
much discussion between the guests about the defense of the Philippines, prisoners of war life, and health problems emanating from
the residual effects of prisoner of war camp life.
Wednesday morning there was a board meeting presided by Commander Omar McGuire with the usual reports and the
presentation of a slate of officers for the ensuing year. Registration was held in the Garden Room and well conducted by a group of
volunteers which included Mary Curley, widow of PNC Kenneth Curley; Annette Bloskis, widow of PNC Charles Bloskis; and as
always Helen Vater, wife of Joe Vater, convention chairman. The registration committee and all functions of the convention were
ably assisted by our new Executive Secretary, Duane Heisinger. Also, a special thanks goes to the Albuquerque group for providing
assistance to the convention chairman. Their assistance made it a lot easier on him. The membership would like to thank all of those
who volunteered to assist in the registration of our members, wives, family, guests, and friends of our great organization. That
evening our organization hosted a reception in the Southwest Parlor with the attendees happily greeting those that they had not
seen for a year or more and the conversations at the table once again turned to the period 1941 through 1945. Somehow, we cannot
remember what happened yesterday, however, the events of that period seem to come to life very vividly for all of us.
On Thursday, there was the general Membership meeting presided over once again by Commander Omar McGuire. Prior
to the start of the meeting, attorney Bonnie Kane gave a brief report on the status of our litigation efforts against those Japanese
industrialists that utilized us as slave labor during World War II. She highlighted the fact that our law suit had been accepted by the
California Supreme Court for a hearing and that the Court in general only accepts approximately 5% of the cases appealed to it for
adjudication. She was optimistic about the outcome of this hearing due to the great number of cases presented to the California
Supreme Court for a hearing and only a few are accepted. Also, our attorneys are planning to request the United States Supreme
Court to grant a writ of certiorari relative the negative ruling made on our litigation by the 9th Federal Court of Appeals. A writ of certiorari is a request from a higher court to a lower court requesting a case for review. After the usual reports by certain members, the
officers for the year 2003-2004 were elected as follows: John Oliver, National Commander; Agapito (Gap) Silva, Senior Vice
Commander; and Harold Berghbower, Junior Vice Commander. John Crago declined the office of Treasurer due to ill health, therefore, PNC Edward Jackfert agreed to take the Treasurer’s office for the coming year. There were several new additions to the board
of directors and all other officers were reelected for a new term. A Veteran’s Administration seminar was held in the afternoon in the
New Mexico South room. As in past years the Kawasaki group used their private autos and went out for dinner at a private restaurant. Attending this affair were Ed Jackfert, wife Henrietta, and daughter Jody; Henry Cornellisson and wife Genie; Robert Renfro
and wife Eloise; Joe Alexander and wife Norma; Oscar Leonard, wife Mary and daughter Sarah; James Riley and friend Jeanne; Joe
Giardina and wife Ange; Charles Butterworth, Al Felsen and wife Dorothy; Charlie Graham and wife Shirley; John Oliver and wife
Dawn; and finally Libby DiUbaldo accompanied by son Gary. That evening the organization hosted a reception in the Southwest
Ballroom for all of those attending the convention.
On Friday the Western States Chapter had its executive board meeting followed by a general meeting of their membership.
It was great to see a large turnout from the Western States Chapter at this convention. As in the past years, a luncheon was held in
the Colorado room for all the widows with a very good attendance at that affair. Also, there was a continuation of the “Descendants
Luncheon” in the Colorado Room. Historian Andy Miller was the speaker at this luncheon. During the evening our organization hosted a cocktail party and dance in the Southwest Ballroom. As usual, the music provided by the group was excellent with a concentration on music from “our era.” For some reason or other, there appeared to be fewer couples dancing than in past years. A premature
ceremony of granting an award was made during a music break period. The award was to be given out at the banquet on Saturday
night, however, inasmuch as Dr. Lester Tenney, the member who as to be recognized had to depart early on Saturday, the award
and recognition was made during the music break by PNC Edward Jackfert. Dr. Tenney was given a well deserved plaque recognizing his outstanding assistance to our membership in the field of litigation. Dr. Tenney’s book “My Hitch In Hell” has been translated
into the Japanese language and a gratis copy of the book was provided to each member of the Japanese Diet, the legislative body
of the Japanese government.
On Saturday, PNC Andy Miller once again organized a beautiful memorial service in the New Mexico-North and South
rooms. The names of those that passed away during the current year were read out at the service. There were just a fewer names
this year than last. Our group continues to decrease in size at an alarming rate. Highlighting the convention as usual was the banquet with approximately 300 guests present. Our speaker for the affair was Lt. General Edward Baca. His talk was very inspiring with
many accolades for the Defenders of the Philippine Islands. Somehow, his talk was so inspiring that it seemed to give a great lift to
each of those present at the banquet that will warm their hearts and memory forever. Then Joe Vater came to the podium and presented awards of appreciation to PNC Omar McGuire and PNC John Crago. John’s services to our organization were numerous and
(Continued on Page 4)
JULY, 2003 — 3
58th Annual Convention
(Continued)
he was always available to assist when the need arose. A well deserved award. John advises us that he will retain the membership
committee and keep us updated on this important faction of our organization. Concluding the award ceremony, I was tremendously
surprised when Joe Vater presented me with the “Austin Patrizio Award” for outstanding service to our organization. I have vowed to
continue my services to the membership on the same scale as in the past. Then PNC Hank Wilayto gave the oath of office to the
elected officers for the ensuing year. PNC Omar McGuire gave a short talk thanking those who assisted him during the past year
and our new commander, John Oliver, delivered a short message dedicating his full efforts to help our organization in whatever services there was a need and he was capable of performing. Also, it was announced that the next convention, which would be held in
Orlando, Florida May 5th through the 9th, would be a tribute to the “Angels Of Bataan.” There are only a few of the nurses surviving.
Lt. Colonel Floramund Fellmuth Difford was the only nurse present at this convention. The convention committee has committed
themselves to making this convention one of the best with more activities and less expense for everyone attending. So we are looking forward to seeing you all in Orlando.
Convention Notes
The membership was saddened after being notified that Paul Reuter and his wife Nickie would not be attending the convention due to health problems. Also, at the last minute, Frank Bigelow had to cancel his appearance due to the discovery of a serious
medical problem. Also, notice was received that Art and Agnes Akullian would not be able to attend our Albuquerque convention due
to a sudden illness in the family. We send them the best of wishes from all of those present at the convention for a speedy recovery.
We also had been notified that Joe Poster, one of our most faithful officers, had become seriously ill and would not be attending. Upon
returning home, and within a week, Joe Vater called with the sad news of PNC Joe Poster’s death. Joe Poster’s services to the organization over the years has been beyond the call of normal duty and his presence and services will be missed by the entire membership. In line with a need of immediate action, Commander John Oliver has made arrangements to appoint interim co-chairmen of the
investment committee formerly chaired by Joe Poster in order to continue an orderly functioning of that important committee.
There was a large contingent of the 200th Coast Artillery group at the convention which included many of their family and
friends. The 200th Coast Artillery group at the convention which included many of their family and friends. The 200th on its transfer
to the Philippine Islands numbered close to 2,000 troops. Today, I have been informed that there are approximately 80 of this group
surviving. Only 4% of the original group are alive today. The residual effects of being a prisoner of war has taken its toll. Gap Silva
transported me to the Bataan Memorial Park to view the beautiful memorial dedicated by the 200th at this site. Each of the 2000
troops’ name has been carved in the monuments which is quite a legacy that will be there forever to honor the courageous stand
made during the battle of Bataan.
Legislation Efforts
In the January issue of The Quan, the editor published an article relating to HR 5235 which was introduced by
Congressman Simpson during the 107th session of Congress. In as much as it expired, the bill was reintroduced in the 108th session of Congress as HR 850, with the title Special Compensation For Former Prisoners of War. Paragraph 3 of Section 1181 of that
bill states that “If a former prisoner of war was detained or interned for a period of more than 540 days, the monthly amount of special compensation shall be $450.00.”
Our legislation committee, after carefully scrutinizing the legislation, came to the conclusion that the defenders of the
Philippines, Guam, and Wake Islands were not being properly recognized for the purpose of awarding special compensation for their
services, and the uniqueness of their internment as prisoners of war. Therefore, we have contacted a number of Congressmen and
requested that the legislation (HR 850) be amended to include a 4th category of compensation in the bill to read as follows: “If the
former prisoner of war was detained or interned for a period of 1200 days or more and forced to perform slave labor by the detaining
power, the monthly amount of compensation payable shall be 50% of the current disability compensation he or she now receives
from the Department of Veterans Affairs.” This is in line with the benefit received Canadian prisoners of war of the Japanese military
as outlined by the “Compensation For Former Prisoners Of War Act of 1976.”
We encountered the same circumstances of mistreatment, slave labor, and longevity of internment as the Canadian
internees while prisoners of war of the Japanese military. It is our belief that our group should have this same benefit. We will be
contacting more Congressmen to amend HR 850 in pursuit of justice for our membership. You also can help by contacting your
Congressman and request that he or she support our amendment to this important piece of legislation.
————————
Double Honors (Continued)
Sternberg General Hospital in Manila. During World War II, Lt.
Col. Ullom was taken prisoner by the Japanese in May 1942. She
was a 30-year old second lieutenant when she was captured on
the Island of Corregidor along with 65 other Army nurses.
As a prisoner of war (POW) for almost three years in
Manila, Lt. Col. Ullom continued to serve as a nurse to other
(POWs) and interned civilians. She was one of the individuals
who became known as the “Angels of Bataan.” For her heroism, she was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and two Oak Leaf
Clusters. After being freed in February 1945, she remained in
the Army and served in Germany and throughout the United
States until her retirement in 1964 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her
last post was at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver as
assistant chief nurse and educational coordinator.
While in the service, Lt. Col. Ullom completed two degrees
in nursing education, a bachelor of science from Incarnate
4 — THE QUAN
Word College in San Antonio, Texas in 1948 and a master of
science from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1951.
Since her retirement, she has remained active in nursing, veterans and civic organizations.
Among Lt. Col. Ullom’s numerous awards and honors are
the Patrick Henry Award for Loyal and Dedicated Service to
Humanity in 1995 and induction into the Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society of Nursing. She was the only
“Angel” to earn a Master’s degree. A world traveler, she has
returned to the Philippines four times.
Lt. Col. Ullom resided in Tucson, Arizona. Madeline Ullom
made a career of the Army after the war, retiring with the rank
of Colonel.
Her two terms on the congressional committee for improving VA benefits for ex-POW’s was a highlight of her post retirement years.
ADBC Widow’s and
Angel’s Luncheon
If you did not make it to Albuquerque for the 58th National
American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor convention, you
really missed a good time. The convention, as a whole, was
very well planned and executed.
The Widow’s and Angel’s Luncheon had a smaller attendance than anticipated, but we had plenty of quality. Those in
attendance agreed the food was outstanding and the speakers
were informative and helpful.
A Veterans Administration Representative, Alex Encinias,
gave us some valuable and informative information. Mr.
Encinias is currently a Decision Review Officer, but was
recently promoted from the position of POW Coordinator. He
said that any wife or widow of a POW, who has, or had, 100%
compensation, is entitled to Aid and Assistance, if they need it.
If you require some assistance, get a statement from your doctor and apply or Aid and Assistance. You may not get it, but it
doesn’t hurt to apply. Mr. Encinias, also, said the ten year time
frame required for a spouse to receive Dependency and
Indemnity Compensation (DIC) has been reduced to one year
for POW widows. In other words, DIC payments may be authorized for survivors of veterans who were totally service-connected disabled when they died, even though their serviceconnected disabilities did not cause their death. And, the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30,
1999, and who was continuously rated totally disabled for a
period of at least one year immediately preceding death.
Our guest speaker was Chaplain Ronald H. Cok (pronounced Coke) from the New Mexico Veterans Administration
Health Center. He told us there would always be difficult days
but it is important to remember the good days and to keep a
good reputation. Venerability is most important.
Next year the National ADBC Convention will be in
Orlando, Florida, the early part of May. Start making plans to
attend! The conflict this year with three of the main luncheons,
(i.e., Western States, Widows and Descendants Group) on the
same day should not occur again. It gives some of us motivational conflicts in wanting to attend two or more events at the
same time. The Powers-That-Be assure me that someway they
will stagger the events.
Most of you remember Madeline Ullom, one of our Angels
of Bataan. She passed away last year and in her will she left
33% of her estate to the American Defenders of Bataan and
Corregidor. Because of her generosity and because of the
devotion of all the Angels and the love toward them, the ADBC
Board has decided to especially honor all of the nurses at next
year’s convention.
See you in Orlando!!!
Lora Cummins
————————
Subic Bay Reunion 2003
Subic Bay Reunion 2003: Oct. 17-27, 2003. Subic
Bay/Olongapo, Philippines. All marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen who have served in the Subic Bay/Olongapo/Clark Airfield
areas of the Philippines. Contact Judy Buzzell, 703-212-0695;
info@subicbayreunion.com; www.subicbayreunion.com; 4600
Duke Street, #420, Alexandria, VA 22304.
Our Subic Bay/Philippines Reunion is open to all service
members, their family and friends. We are seeking Charter
Members for the Subic Bay Alumni Foundation. Yearly membership is only $25.00.
————————
The Chaplain’s Corner
“Seek Ye First …”
Jesus was concerned about our priorities; how we spent
our time, money and other resources says a lot about our preferences and about what’s important to us. The Psalmist
warned that, “If wealth should come thy way, set not thy heart
upon it.” In other words, don’t let earthly successes become
our masters.
This story demonstrates the point: “A couple of men were
golfing one day as a funeral procession passed by. First golfer
stopped and held his hat over his heart. Second golfer
remarked, ‘That was very courteous of you.’ The golfer replied,
‘She was a good wife for 50 years’.”
Of course, there is nothing wrong with playing golf, but the
golfer’s problem was in his preference for a game of golf rather
than being with his late wife during one of her special
moments. I can just imagine how shallow their marriage must
have been; how much love and caring they had missed sharing, simply because he would rather be out on the golf course.
She had more competition than she could handle; their marriage had grown stale.
How many spouses would not dare to challenge their competition? Hilary Clinton, who is now marketing her new book,
tells us how broken hearted she was to learn about Bill’s
affair(s). Her husband lacks the ability to be monogamous. The
beauty of their marriage was sacrificed on the altar of lust. Sad!
In that same vein, Jesus found that many of His followers
yielded to the temptations of this world, rather than to follow
Him. People of all ages and nations have their own “golf courses” on which they can have superficial relationships; where we
can find pleasures without responsibilities. Where we can seek
meaning of life in all the wrong places. God knows this; he
sees it happening and continues to bid us to follow Him and to
come to worship Him first and foremost.
Jesus tells us very clearly to, “Seek Ye first the Kingdom
of Heaven, and His righteousness; and all these (other) things
will be added unto it.”
Golf, computers, movies, book, autos, etc. should be
accessories to a God focused life. Loving Him gives meaning
to all other things we had, things we do. We who have been
given a full measure of life, do well if we seek Him first.
In His service,
Fr. Bob
Fr. Bob Phillips+ SSC
National Chaplain and Web Site Chairman
American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Inc.
————————
ADBC Web Site Grows
The ADBC Web Site continues to grow and now contains
more than 700 pages of helpful information. You can visit our
site by entering the following URL into your browser:
<http://adbc-pow.org>.
We invite you to visit our Site and meet some old friends,
make some new ones, send us your biographical sketch (digital photos welcome). Read about future conventions, reunions
and meetings; find out how you can find help with your VA
claim; many more things. Go there for names and addresses of
all of your elected and appointed officers. Send us your e-mail
address, etc. so we can post your name on the Web Site.
For
more
information
e-mail
me
at:
frphillips@sprintmail.com or other Committee members:
Martin Christie: <retiree539@yahoo.com>
Warren Jorgenson: <wjorgy@earthlink.net> or
Don Versaw: <donversaw@yahoo.com>.
————————
JULY, 2003 — 5
Convention 2003
The following is written to give some understanding to
those unable to be with us in Albuquerque recently in May
2003 at the Hilton Hotel for the 59th Annual Gathering of the
American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor.
We were well over 300 in number with ninety some of us
former Prisoners of War, Our Chaplain Father Robert Phillips
assisted by descendant Richard Roper conducted Church
Services every morning to well attended gatherings. On
Saturday Catholic Services from a local priest were also held.
As we observe our numbers being reduced, it has been
helpful to receive the assistance in several capacities of
descendants who have willingly offered their services alongside our members, their spouses and widows in different
capacities both in advance of the convention and during the
activities in Albuquerque. Thank you.
Our convention routine continues with numerous occasions for sharing among old and new friends. The informal
round table settings on the first and second reception evenings
gave ample opportunities to share and chat with the Quan
Party and dance setting on night three giving those nimble of
foot the chance to show off overcoming creeping age.
After the earlier Executive Board Meeting the General
Meeting was conducted on Thursday highlighted by the officer
and Executive Board selection for this next year with later
installation of officers taking place on our last night at the banquet. The status of membership, financial and investment strategy was discussed as well as long term ADBC considerations.
This will continue to be a discussion as options are considered.
We continued our practice of having a Veteran’s Administration
(VA) Seminar for general sharing of information.
Friday, May 23 provided for specialized gatherings for several groups in attendance especially our largest chapter, the
Western States Chapter. In addition to the annual ADBC-hosted Widows luncheon, a large and enthusiastic Descendant’s
Group luncheon with speaker Andy Miller providing an informative talk. Several other informal gatherings were held this day.
The memorial service this year included our largest number
of past year deceased when 150 names were read during the
one hour service commencing at 1100. Andy Miller conducted
the service assisted by the Reverend Robert Phillips, Ralph
Levenberg and others in several capacities in the reading and
conducting of this annual memorable time of reflection and personal memories of comrades lost, but always remembered.
Saturday evening, as always a special highlight of the convention with our Banquet, gave us the chance to dress up a bit,
say hello to a few new attendees and goodbye to those we had
met and seen once again after a fine five days and shared
memories. All of this will carry us over the twelve months until
we meet again.
We were over 350 in number at the banquet with Lt. Gen.
Edward D. Baca (Ret.) sharing his personal thoughts on leadership, our position in the world today and encouragement to
all who served so many years ago in the Philippines.
Toastmaster Edward Jackfert continued his leadership at the
head table with both outgoing Commander, mar McGuire and
incoming Commander John Oliver sharing personal words of
thanks and direction.
We were especially enthusiastic to return to Albuquerque
where so many served with distinction in the Philippines. It was
especially fitting at this time of being in Albuquerque since the
memorial at nearby Bataan Park was recently enlarged and
rededicated recognizing the service of the 200CA and 515th
CAA during those difficult days on Bataan.
So what is next.
We will meet for the 59th National Convention of the
American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor in Orlando,
Florida at the Airport Marriott Orlando Hotel from May 5-9,
2004. Come and join us. Bring family.
Duane Heisinger
6 — THE QUAN
Peace is Commissioned as
Ensign at Naval Aviation
School Ceremony
Third Generation
The Naval Aviation Schools Command Commissioning
Ceremony was held Feb. 7 at the Naval Aviation School Command Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla.
Lt. Carl Barnes, chaplain, Naval Aviation Schools
Command, gave the invocation and Cmdr. Michael Duprey,
director, Officer Candidate School, made introduction.
The guest speaker was retired Navy Capt. David L.
Peace, formerly of Anderson.
Following the Oath of Office by Lt. Dennis Mojica, class
officer, Capt. Peace made the Presentation of Commission.
Christopher Ryan Peace of Southlake, Texas, son of Capt.
David L. and Gayle W. Peace of Southlake, Texas, was among
the graduates commissioned as an Ensign and a Naval
Aviator. Mr. Peace is a graduate of Carroll High School in
Southlake, Texas, and a 2002 graduate in aerial aviation from
Southeastern University, Durant, Okla. He was a licensed commercial pilot before volunteering for Naval Flight School.
Retired Capt. David L. Peace is retired from the Judge
Advocate General’s Corps. He is a graduate of T.L. Hanna
High School, earned his bachelor of arts degree from Clemson
University, juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina
School of Law and master’s law degree in international law
with highest honors from George Washington University. Upon
graduation from Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode
Island, he was commissioned an Ensign and was assigned to
USS SEMMES (DDG-18), serving as the Combat Information
Center Officer. During the three years that he served on
SEMMES, the ship made two deployments as part of NATO
Standing Naval Forces Atlantic.
After a tour of duty in the office of the Judge Advocate
General, Capt. Peace was assigned in 1985 to the staff of the
Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,
as the assistant Fleet Judge Advocate (International and
Operational Law). He also served as Legal Advisor to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and played an
instrumental role in developing rules of engagement for U.S.
naval forces deployed to the Persian Gulf War.
Between 1988 and 1991, he served as Legal Advisor to
the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy and
Operations) in Washington, D.C. He developed and drafted the
concept of operations for using naval forces to enforce the
United Nations economic sanctions against Iraq, which was
reviewed and approved by the president, and still in effect
today. He was the Commanding Officer of the Naval Legal
Service office, Europe and Southeast Asia. Afterwards, he
served as the Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General at the
Pentagon. Capt. Peace retired from active duty in 1996 and
became a corporate attorney.
His military decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal
(with two gold stars), the Meritorious Service Medal (with gold
star), the Navy Commendation Medal (with one gold star), and
the Navy Achievement Medal.
Capt. Peace and his wife, Gayle, reside in Southlake,
Texas, near Dallas. They have two children, Christopher and
Jennifer.
Retired Capt. David L. Peace is the son of Elizabeth M.
Peace of Anderson and the late David W. Peace Jr., of 803rd
Eng. on Bataan.
————————
AMERICAN DEFENDERS OF BATAAN AND CORREGIDOR
Mid-Atlantic Tri-State Chapter Reunion
Sunday, October 12 to Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Special Reunion Rates
$78 per room per night, single or double occupancy • All rates are plus 6% tax
Best Western — Eden Resort Inn • 222 Eden Road • Lancaster, PA 17601-9888
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
FOR RESERVATIONS
Sunday, October 12-Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Name ...................................................................................................................................... Phone # ....................................................
Address .....................................................................................................................................................................................................
State
Zip
Group or Company .................................................................................................................Phone # .....................................................
Address .....................................................................................................................................................................................................
State
Zip
Number of Persons ........................................ Number of Rooms ....................................
Date of Arrival .................................................................................. Date of Departure ...........................................................................
Reservations must be accompanied by a deposit equal to the first night’s room rental or a major credit card number. Cancellation 24
hours before date of arrival. Reservations must be made by September 12, 2003.
Major Credit Card # ................................................................................................................ Expires .....................................................
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (717) 569-6444
CHECK-IN 3 PM
CHECK-OUT 12 NOON
PS: We welcome all former members of the Virginia Chapter to join us for our Annual Mid-Atlantic meeting.
Mid-Atlantic States Chapter
Choice of Menu
Broiled Flounder
Sliced Roast Sirloin of Beef
Cost of Dinner will be $20.00 per person • Ladies will have complimentary dinner
Make check out to the Mid-Atlantic States Chapter of A.D.B.C.
Send choice of menu and money along with your dues to
c/o Joseph A. Vater
18 Warbler Dr.
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
DUES ARE DUE
Annual Dues are still $10.00 from October 2003-2004
Name .........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Address .....................................................................................................................................................................................................
Dues are sent to:
Joseph Vater
18 Warbler Dr.
McKees Rocks, PA 15136-1858
Can You Help?
Quans Returned
Bad Addresses
Doyle D. Cordell
520 Fenley Ave.
Louisville, KY 40222-4634
Oscar Brown
PO Box 872
Pueblo, CO 81002-0872
Francisco F. Calimag
8415 W. Bruce Drive
Niles, IL 60714-2339
J.B. Cole, III
VACM N.H.C.U.
1055 Clermont Street
Denver, CO 80220-3808
Earl F. Craig
26661 Primavera Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691-5204
Charles R. Evers
Cypress, IL 62923
Joseph H. Gutierrez
127 Andrew Drive
Middletown, PA 17057-5944
Elliot Hendry
Rt. 3 Box 477
Lake City, FL 32025
Thomas R. Huntley
655 Myrick Ranch Rd.
Pulaski in 38478
Richard D. Jameson
135 Butte Avenue
PO Box 135
Randsburg, CA 23554-0135
Robert J. Kalinowski
P.O. Box 5554
Victoria, TX 77903-5554
George Richard King
6045 County Rd. #133
Fulton, MO 65251
James McGrath
PO Box 1216
LaQuinta, CA 92253-1216
Lester A. Morrison
1330 Minarets Avenue
Clovis, CA 93611-0302
Frank S. Prah
266 Archer Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32833
————————
Walter M. Hinkle
PO Box 40383
Austin, TX 78704-0007
JULY, 2003 — 7
Memorial List
American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor
May 2002 to May 2003
Francis W. Agnes
Delos L. Alvis
Robert O. Arthur
William V. Baits
William E. Ballou
Bienvenido R. Baluyot
Lorenzo Banegas
Dean L. Beavers
Ann A. Bernatitus
Thomas H. Bogie
James E. Boone
Daniel O. Borodin
Clarence W. Bower
Herbert L. Boyd
Ruby Bradley
John R. Breeze
Clifford A. Brown
Robert M. Brown
Earl O. Bruchard
Alfred X. Burgos
Charles H. Campbell
Roger Campbell
Pedro Capili
Helen N. Cassiani
Raymond P. Cavallero
George W. Chaille
David Chavez
Ross M. Chisholm
Bynum P. Cook
Jim Copeland
Jerry L. Coty
Julian C. Court
Ferdinandi M. Cuaresma
Cecil L. Cunningham
Dewey N. Dale
Nicholas Dalesandra, Jr.
Spero Dardaris
Coy C. Daugherty
Leo H. Dorsey
Sallie Durett-Farmer
Carl M. Egner
Herbert S. Ellis
Fred B. Evans Jr.
Glen Farmer
Andrew Fignar
Jack I. Finley
Ruben Flores
Roy A. Forsberg
Frank Forsyth
Carl O. Foster
J.B. Francis
Earleen A. Francis
Carl M. Gall
William H. Gentry
Roy Y. Gentry
Boni Gillego
Lloyd H. Goad
Marshall W. Goff
Ellsworth Graham
Ginner Grant
Tomas M. Hammel
Richard M. Haskill
Eunice Hatchitt-Tyler
8 — THE QUAN
Oscar Hernandez
John L. Hinkle
Robert G. Hundley
Thomas A. Inghram
Eugene C. Jacobs
Russell B. Johnson
Guy E. Jones
Everett M. Jones
Lawrence D. Kachmarek
James E. Kincaid
Clarence L. Kinser
Douglas E. Knight
Fred E. Koenig
Harry B. Lebovitz
Kermit Lay
John W. Lee
Leon W. Lesner
Bryce L. Lilly
Amador Lovato
Peter B. Mannix
Adam M. McCroskey
Donald B. McDougal
Albert C. McGuire
Rod McKay
Chester R. McKenna
Morris W. McMillan
John McPherson
Harry L. Mehrens
Charles B. Mellor
Kenneth L. Melton
Harvey N. Michael, III
Leland E. Mitchell
Jack B. Morgan
Stanley Mroz
James C. Muldrow
Frank T. Murden
Frank Nichols, Jr.
Wayne W. Nieman
George E. Norris
Marcelino L. Ordonio
Orville F. Padilla
Walter P. Pankratz
William Parks
Raymond P. Perez
Quinton Perez
Ralph C. Poness
Clifton Procell
Michael Pulice
Noel Ravenberg
William R. Richards
Merrill B. Riddle
Dale E. Robbins
Jack Rogers
Amando Romero
Wallace K. Rucker
William G. Russell
Woodrow Ryan
Geraldo San Luis
Eulogia A. Santos, Jr.
Jack Scheidecker
James E. Schoen
Robert E. Scholten
Ralph R. Shaffer
Winston H. Shillito
Lee R. Slay
Wiley W. Sloman
Arthur B. Smith
William Spizziro
Robert Stahl
Edwin S. Steadman
John R. Stinson
Patrick N. Taylor
Regis M. Theriac
Charles P. Thomas
Edward E. Thomas
Mario G. Tonelli
Guillermo Torres
William Van Orden
Kenneth R. Wheeler
Leonard V. Whitney
Henry B. Williams
Victor W. Witman
John H. Woodard
Alfred I. Zangrillo
Rudolfo Zepeda
Registrants for 2003 Convention
Joe Vater
Helen Vater
Lou Lachman
Malcolm Amos
James Downey
Mel Downey
Grace Downey
Gary Downey
Angie Downey
Mary Curley
R. Edward Friese
Lauraetta Friese
Eleanor Simmonds
Viola Wright
Jim Wright
Ruth Wright
Anne Kreyssig
Bill Kreyssig
Bill Templeton
Lou Templeton
Ralph Levenberg
Kathie Levenberg
Lois Tarnowski
Mary Tarnowski
Denise Tarnowski
Theresa Tarnowski
Helen Tarnowski
Albert Taylor
Dorothy Taylor
Lawrence Kent
Louise Kent
Ben Vaitkus
Olede Vaitkus
Mary Jane McCorts Blaine
Susannah Bookwalter
Connie Dunn
Jeri Braye
William Braye
Fran Lewis
John Lewis
Norma Alexander
Joe Alexander
Weldon Hamilton
Audrey Hamilton
Houston Turner
Georgia Turner
John Oliver
Dawn Oliver
Gregory Rodriguez
John Moyer
Andy Miller
Audrey Klein
William Brenner
Carlotta Brenner
Linda McCaphrey
Richard Roper
Harold Vick
Sue Vick
Oscar Leonard
Mary Leonard
Sarah Leonard
Charles Graham
Shirley Graham
Mel Routt
Joseph Giardina
Angie Giardina
Paul Rover
Tom Motosko
William Overmier
Annalee Overmier
Hank Wilayto
Helen Wilayto
Dale Frantz
Peg Frantz
Rev. Phillips
Audrey Phillips
Mary Templeton
Anne Dragich
Chuck Dragich
Millie Scales
Lou Molaro
Agapito Silva
Socorro Silva
Ed Jackfert
Cookie Jackfert
Jody Jackfert
Al Mitro
Ruth Mitro
Eugene Davidson
Helen Davidson
Vera Gott
Wilma Kenney Malavich
B.D. McKendree
Philip Mehan
Iris Mehan
Clarence Larson
Nancy Larson
Maddie Anderson
Becky Anderson
Warren Jorgenson
Ruth Jorgenson
Duane Heisinger
Judith Heisinger
Mary Jaggers
Jean Pruitt
Judy Pruitt
Darlene Shope
Marydee Gibbons
Caroline Burkhart
Glenda Elliott
Cel Graham
Doris Graham
Annette Bloskis
Mary Sinders
Truman Bovtar
Ginger Holmes
Kent Holmes
Carlos Montoya
Betty Montoya
Ceil Ayres
Robert Rosendahl
Betty Rosendahl
Leo Padilla
Mary Padilla
Steven Padilla
Julianna Padilla
Andres Montoya
Effie Montoya
Kay Sandor
Kathy Sandor
Bruce Elliott
Virgil Aimes
Eda Mae Aimes
Al Felson
Dorothy Felson
Rose Bridges
Mona Bridges
Al McGrew
Marjean McGrew
Gladys Quintero
Leo Quintero
Peter Locarnini
Audrey Locarnini
Charles Butterworth
Beverly Farrens
Ray Mares
Sadie Mares
Ann Hionedes
Nick Hionedes
Lloyd Jones
Diane Jones
Elizabeth Leighton
Reggie Leighton
Maurice Chartoff
Edith Mazer
Esther Jennings
Clinton Jennings
Harry Rosenberry
Nancy Rosenberry
Gary Wilshire
Lorna Wilshire
Don Spaulding
Hazel Spaulding
Charlie Mills
Luke Campean
Anne Lucero
Guy Spitak
Paula Spitak
Bill Mataya
Bill Johnson
Fran Johnson
Lourdes Ruiz
Robert Renfro
Eloise Renfro
Hank Cornelius
Jeannie Cornelius
Jack McKarson
Marie McKarson
Hazel Wintz
Leonard Maudens
Tonya Sheets
Sherry Christian
Kimberly Kline
Janet Wintz
Betty Young
Mansfield Young
Val Gavito
Lydia Gavito
Fred Fullerton
Fred Silva
Nora Silva
Patricia Silva
Larry Silva
Emma Silva
Agapito Silva
Jerome Silva
Lora Cummins
Doug Cortney
Judy Barrett
Lee Barrett
Frank Corbi
Yeonah Paik
Charles Iskra
Julia Brittan
Andren Aquila
Kenneth Porwoll
Susan Aquila
Mary Ellen Porwoll
Mary Grayson
Heinz Ratsch
Paul Arnold
Bill Lambert
Ralph Rodriguez
Bill Johnson
Peggy Rodriguez
George Edwards
Juanita Montoya
Caroline Edwards
Tony Montoya
Gerald Chapman
Ao Wang
Kay Chapman
Douglas Heisinger
Robert Ping
Rita Heisinger
Elaine Ping
Judy Stecklein
Roy Hays
Frank Stecklein
Vera Hays
Harold Feiner
Diane Harrill
Jan Thompson
Tiffany Allen
Gene Boyt
Billie Jo Hays
Robert Boyt
Sharon Hays
Phillip W. Coon
Martin Christie
Helen Coon
Rosie Christie
Robert Coffey
Bernie Lohman
Jeremy Coon
Freida Lohman
Al Stanley
Jimmy Tootle
Maxine Stanley
Marian Tootle
Ted Provost
David Johnson
Marvela Provost
Ruth Johnson
W.E. Difford Jr.
Elton Turner
Floramund Difford
Odell Turner
Virginia Dessauer
Clyde Layne
BVO — Local
Celeste Layne
Robert Erdwin
John Perkowski
Roberta Erdwin
Fran Perkowski
Bill Bowen
Tomoyo Nakao
John Moseley
Landys McClamma
Janie Moseley
Stephany McClamma
Al Silver
Bill Sheehan Jr.
Lillian Silver
Dennis Sheehan
Roger Mansell
Barbara Davidson
Francis Mosher
Dave Davidson
Dorothy Mosher
Nancy Kragh
Arthur Campbell
Loren Kragh
Francis Campbell
Trudy Real
Victoria Copp
John Real
David Copp
Bob Voger
Nancy Shockley
Bernie Voger
Kinue Tokudome
Harold Ferrell
Jeanne Philson
Davis Ferrell
James Reilly
Satoko Kogure
Carlos Solis
The above list registered for convention
and purchased a banquet ticket. There were
some who could not stay for the banquet and
whose names would not be in the listing.
We apologize for any errors as it does get
hectic and our volunteers do the best they
can under the circumstance.
————————
Veterans Oral History Project
Virginia Sorkin (Project Officer)
Library of Congress
American Folklife Center
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20540-4615
(202) 707-4412
————————
JULY, 2003 — 9
Duane Heisinger was 10 years old in 1941 when his
father, Samuel Lawrence Heisinger, then Assistant District
Attorney in Fresno, California volunteered within the California
National Guard for active Army duty in the Philippines. After
Corregidor fell in 1942, Samuel became a Japanese POW
spending three years in Japanese prison camps. He died
seven months before war’s end in a hold on a Japanese ship in
route to Japan.
After retiring to Virginia, Duane began the search for his
father. He spent years traveling to the Far East and throughout
the United States talking to survivors of those days also finding
several who knew his father or had lived in the same prison
camps. The writing tells of his search for a father and the faith
of a son.
The result is Father Found, that covers the hopes and
expectations both at home and in the Philippines of those days
when America was not ready, but responded to the war that
came. Duane Heisinger}s book is a narrative of his father’s life
from the time he left Fresno until his death. Much of the story is
taken from interviews, diaries, letters, notes and scraps of
paper left in the camps in bottles and cans retrieved after the
war telling of events around these men.
ORDER INFORMATION
Cost is $20.50 postpaid, check or cash.
Duane Heisinger
7401 Bull Run Drive
Centreville, VA 20121
(E-mail): Heis56@aol.com
MAIL Book To:
Name:_____________________________________________
Street:_____________________________________________
City, state, zip: ______________________________________
Check the author website: http://www.fatherfound.com for
additional information.
Publisher is Xulon Press, 2003; ISBN 1-591604-97-4; Soft
cover, Non-Fiction, 576 pp, 40 images, end notes, full index
and bibliography. Hard cover also available.
Father Found is also available through XulonPress.com,
Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com or Borders.com.
________
Recent Advances in Health
Care from VA Research
Drug combination improves
schizophrenia therapy
Decreased suffering and shorter hospital stays for schizophrenia patients can result when the anticonvulsive drug divalproex is combined with either of two commonly used antipsychotic drugs, olanzapine and risperidone. According to findings
reported in Neuropsychopharmacology, patients responded to
therapy much better after taking the combined drugs, with no
additional side effects. (Jan. 2003)
Smallpox immunization: Best for high-risk
personnel or imminent threat
Preventative smallpox vaccinations are recommended
only for certain high-risk health care workers and first responders, according to VA researchers’ findings published in the
New England Journal of Medicine . Investigators said they
would not endorse a public immunization campaign at this time
because the vaccinations are more dangerous than the current
specter of biological terrorism. They said mass immunization
would be advisable only if a large-scale attack was likely. (Dec.
2002)
10 — THE QUAN
‘BION’ Microchips may one day help
patients regain muscular control
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development is collaborating with the Alfred E. Mann Foundation to explore Bionic
Neuron (BION) technology — wireless, implantable microchips
about the size of a grain of rice that deliver regulated electrical
pulses. The BIONs interact with muscles and activate nerves.
This cutting-edge therapy could help improve functioning in
veterans being treated for motor rehabilitation, bowel and bladder control, swallowing difficulties, and many other conditions.
(Nov. 2002)
Study finds common knee surgery
no better than placebo
Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent
mock arthroscopic surgery were just as likely to report pain
relief as those who received the real procedure, according to a
VA study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The results challenge the usefulness of a common medical
procedure on which Americans spend more than $3 billion
each year. The researchers say the findings suggest that the
money spent on such surgeries could be put to better use.
(July 2002)
(Continued on Page 11)
Health Care (Continued)
Quick blood test to diagnose
heart failure in ER
In a trial of nearly 1,600 patients in the United States and
Europe, a 15-minute blood test enabled emergency-room doctors to correctly diagnose congestive heart failure in 90 percent
of cases — without relying on costly, time-consuming tests
such as echocardiograms and chest X-rays. The study, led by
a Va cardiologist, appeared in the New England Journal of
Medicine. The test, approved by the FDA and already in use in
some hospitals, detects elevated levels in the blood of a specific hormone. The hormone is released by the heart ventricles
when pressure rises, signalling a failing heart. Congestive
heart failure affects nearly 5 million Americans, with more than
500,000 new cases each year. (July 2002)
Smaller aneurysms best left alone
Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be deadly if they rupture,
but a VA study found it is better not to correct the problem with
surgery unless the aneurysm exceeds a certain size. The hazards of surgery can be the greater threat unless the aneurysm
is larger than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, according to findings
published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The aorta
is a major artery that delivers blood from the heart to internal
organs in the lower part of the body. Aneurysms are bloodfilled bulges in the weakened wall of the aorta. (May 2002)
New study promises safer
hormone replacement therapy
VA scientists and colleagues have identified a synthetic
compound that reverses bone loss in mice without affecting the
reproductive system, as does conventional hormone replacement therapy. Reporting in Science, the researchers were the
first to demonstrate that synthetic hormones can build bone
without harming reproductive organs. The finding may lead to
new treatments to prevent osteoporosis for millions of men and
women and lead to safer alternatives to hormone treatments
that have recently been shown to present greater risks than
previously thought. (October 2002)
Changing bacteria produce
persistent lung infections
Populations of bacteria may be changing constantly in the
lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
(COPD), which affect nearly 15 million people in the United
States. VA doctors reported in The New England Journal of
Medicine that the bacteria altered repeatedly over time, making it
difficult for the body’s immune system to respond effectively. The
findings may explain why patients develop recurring infections
and may allow researchers to develop vaccines that can keep
pace with the changing strains of bacteria. COPD is the fourth
leading cause of death in the United States. (August 2002)
Study questions widespread
prescribing of diabetic footwear
Medicare pays for therapeutic footwear for thousands of
people with diabetes each year. But VA researchers and colleagues reported in the Journal of the American Medical
Association that for many patients, ordinary good-quality shoes
may work just as well to prevent foot ulcers. The study randomized patients with diabetes and a prior foot ulcer into three
groups. One group wore extra-depth shoes with customized
cork inserts. A second group wore therapeutic shoes with noncustom polyurethane inserts. The third group served as controls and wore their own shoes. After two years, ulcer rates
were about the same in all three groups. The study did not
include patients with special problems who may in fact benefit
from custom-made footwear. (May 2002)
(Continued on Page 14)
Message from the
Chief Consultant
Geriatrics & Extended Care
James F. Burris, M.D.
Burgeoning Older Population a Major Driver
in VA Health Care Design
The veteran population is projected to decline from 24.3 to
20 million between 2000 and 2010, but over the same time
period those age 75 and older will increase from 4 to 4.5 million and those over 85 will triple to 1.3 million. These most vulnerable of our older veterans, particularly those over 85, are
especially likely to require institutional long-term care and to
need health care of all types. Also of importance is the fact that
current VA patients are not only older in comparison to the
general population, but they generally have lower incomes,
lack health insurance, and are much more likely to be disabled
and unable to work.
The projected peak in the number of elderly veterans during the first decade of this century will occur approximately 20
years in advance of that in the general U.S. population. Thus
the current demographics of the veteran population are one of
the major driving forces in the design of the VA health care
system. The lessons learned from VA’s experience in delivering health care to the aging veteran population potentially will
be of great importance to the entire nation.
As the VA health care system has redefined itself in recent
years as a “health care” system instead of a “hospital” system,
VA’s approach to geriatrics and extended care has evolved
from an institutionally-focused model to one that includes a
continuum of home and community-based extended care services in addition to nursing home care.
In its 1998 report, “VA Long Term Care at the Crossroads,” the Federal Advisory Committee on the Future of LongTerm Care in Va made 20 recommendations on the operation
and future of VA long-term care services. These recommendations served as the foundation for VA’s national strategy to
revitalize and reengineer long-term care services. A major recommendation was that VA expand home and communitybased care while retaining its three nursing home programs
(VA, contract community, and State Home). VA is making
progress on that strategy. Between 1997 and 2002, VA average daily census (ADC) in home and community-based care
increased from 11,433 to 17,465. We have a budget performance measure that calls for an ambitious 22 percent increase
in the number of veterans receiving home and communitybased care compared to FY 2002. We plan continued increases to achieve a level of 34,500 ADC in home and communitybased programs in FY 2006. We will expand both the services
VA provides directly and those we purchase from affiliates and
community partners. We will meet most of the new need for
long-term care through home health care, adult day health
care, respite, and homemaker/home health aide services.
An innovative new model of care is VA’s Advances in
Home-Based Primary Care for End of Life in Advancing
Dementia (AHEAD) quality improvement project, which was initiated in 2001 and has involved 40 VA home-based primary
care teams across the system. VA is exploring utilization of
new technologies, such as telemedicine, to expand care of veterans in the home and other community settings. By using
interactive technology to coordinate care and monitor veterans
in the home environment, we can significantly reduce hospitalizations, emergency room visits and prescription drug requirements, while providing veterans with a more rewarding quality
of life and greater functional independence.
VA’s plans for long-term care include an integrated care
(Continued on Page 14)
JULY, 2003 — 11
12 — THE QUAN
JULY, 2003 — 13
For Bataan Survivor, the Long Walk is Over
By David Venditta
Of The Morning Call
The rifle salute from the seven men of Fullerton American
Legion Post 367 — three thundering volleys — made us flinch.
A bugler faced Joe Poster’s casket and played taps, then turned
his back to Joe and played it again for the ceremonial echo.
With that, we said our last goodbyes to a remarkable man.
No one could have guessed at Joe’s heroic life from the
simple obituary that ran in the newspaper. The sentence about
his military service described him only as an Army veteran of
World War II who received a bronze Star.
He was much more than that.
I got to know Joe early in 2002 after a good friend of his,
the Rev. Edward McElduff, suggested I interview him about his
war experiences. He’s a survivor of the Bataan Death March,
Father said, and was a prisoner of the Japanese.
The Death March was one of the most gruesome episodes
of the war, but I knew little about it, only that it took place in the
Philippines, where many American prisoners died when the
Japanese forced them to talk a long way in the sun.
It sounded like a whopping story: Lehigh Valley man
remembers Bataan Death March 60 years later.
And it matched the mission I’d taken on in 1998 to interview veterans and get their stories into the paper. I’ve been
particularly interested in World War II vets, because we’re
rapidly losing them. Each day, more than a thousand die.
Much of what they saw and did is disappearing with them.
I don’t want that to happen.
Another of Joe’s friends, former Lehigh County Veterans
Affairs Director Gene Salay, urged me to call him. Let the
phone ring 15 times if you have to, Gene said, because Joe
lives alone — his wife died three years earlier — and he has
trouble getting around.
Joe picked up after the 10th ring. He agreed to meet with me.
I went to his home in Dorneyville with a tape recorder. He
was 81, with a hawk nose and white hair combed straight back.
His heart was weak, he said, and his legs and hands painfully
swollen from the lingering effects of his captivity. He stooped
when he stood.
But Joe was sharp. He talked for three hours. He showed
me the canteen and the Catholic prayer book he carried on the
march, and the rosary Belgian nuns gave him while he slaved
for the Japanese in the mountains of Luzon island.
He never lost his composure while recounting the brutality
of the guards and the miserable conditions he lived in. But his
voice cracked and his eyes grew moist when he talked about
how his own country had “sold out” the defenders on the
Bataan peninsula, leaving them to surrender or die.
I went back to see Joe once or twice a week for the next
two months to make sure I had his story right, and also
Health Care (Continued from Page 11)
‘Hunger hormone’ may be key in weight loss
Gastric bypass surgery seems to achieve long-term weight
loss when other methods fail. The reason for the differences
may hinge on a recently discovered appetite-stimulating hormone, according to a Va-led study that appeared in the New
England Journal of Medicine. The researchers found dramatic
differences in the levels of “ghrelin,” a hormone secreted by the
stomach, in blood samples from dieters and gastric-bypass
patients. The new findings may explain why keeping off excess
weight through dieting, exercise or even medication is often a
constant uphill battle, whereas obese patients who lose up to
200 pounds or more through gastric bypass surgery tend to
keep off the pounds permanently. (May 2002)
————————
14 — THE QUAN
because he remembered more each time. But many of his
memories were terrible and long repressed. Brought to the
fore, they haunted him.
Once, he was telling me about a wretched camp called
Cabanatuan, and his words stopped abruptly. Some distant horror darkened his face and filled his eyes. He stared at me, but
through me. I thought I was looking into his soul, and felt a chill.
Another day, to lighten things up, I came to his door wearing a pith helmet like the one he wore on Bataan. It made him
chuckle. I know I looked dumb in it.
“I have something for you,” he said during yet another visit,
and handed me a new book about Bataan, “Ghost Soldiers.” I
thanked him and started to explain that ethics kept me from
accepting it. But he cut me of sternly, raising his voice.
“I’m not giving it to you because you’re doing a story on
me. I’m giving it to you because you’re my friend!”
That’s when I realized Joe was more than a story to me.
In April 2002, his account of the Bataan Death March and
his 31⁄2 years as a POW ran on Page 1 over two days. He was
pleased, though readers’ comments like, “What you went
through!” raised old demons in his mind. He told me months
later, “Since that story was in, I can do no wrong.”
When we chatted around Christmas, Joe said he had no
complaints about his life, that he had lived longer than he ever
thought he would.
After that, his health began to fail. On May 30, the week
after his 83rd birthday, he died.
Father McElduff helped say the funeral Mass on
Wednesday at St. Thomas More Church. The military ceremony followed at Cedar Hill Memorial Park on Airport Road. Then
Joe was taken to lie beside his wife, Helen, at Forest Hills
Memorial Park near Reading.
I’m not writing about Joe now because he toughed out the
Bataan Death March and horrid prison camps in the
Philippines and Manchuria, or had a long and productive
career at Mack Trucks, or helped fellow veterans for 20 years
as a volunteer service officer at the VA Outpatient Clinic.
I’m writing about Joe because I was honored to be his
friend.
Survivors: Brother, Edward of Pottstown, Montgomery
County; sister, Eileen Kneafsey of West Chester, Chester
County; nieces, nephews.
Service Personnel
World War II (1941-1945)
Total Servicemembers (Worldwide) ......................... 16,112,566
Battle Deaths................................................................. 291,557
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) ........................ 113,842
Non-mortal Woundings ................................................. 671,846
Living Veterans ......................................................... 4,762,000*
————————
Message from the Chief Consultant
(Continued from Page 11)
management system that incorporates all of the patient’s clinical care needs; more care in home and community-based settings, when appropriate to the needs of the veteran; emphasis
on research and educational initiatives that will improve delivery of services and outcomes for VA’s elderly veteran patients;
and development of new models of care for diseases and conditions that are prevalent among elderly veterans.
Marsha Goodwin, Geriatric Care Service Line, contributed
to this column.
Officer’s Roster and Medical Officers
Robert Demetry
33 Cherry Street #11C
Warwick, N.Y. 10990
May 26, 2003
THE QUAN Newsletter
Mr. Joe Vater, Editor
Dear Mr. Vater:
I am a journalist living in southern New York State and
have come into possession of part of a diary about Bataan &
Corregidor in 1942.
It is a handwritten diary of about 120 pages filled with
memories and experiences during the war and complete with a
hand-drawn map of Manila Bay and American vessels and
their positions.
One of the interesting entries is concerning American Naval
personnel helping evacuate Philippine President Emmanuel
Quezon and his staff and family from Corregidor as well as
America’s High-Commissioner Francis B. Sayre and his family.
The author of the diary was U.S. Naval Reserve Lt. (j.g.)
F.R. Newell who was attached to the commissioned ship UNITED STATES SHIP MARY ANNE (formerly called the AJAX).
I am enclosing a listing from the officer’s diary listing the
“Officer’s Roster & Medical Officers” mentioned in the memoirs.
I would appreciate it if you could look over that list and
possibly cross-reference it with your QUAN mailing list to see if
any of these men are still alive.
Other information is needed about the following vessels
mentioned in the diary:
1. “THE POTATO CRATE” — a torpedo boat commanded
by Grover DeLong.
2. “THE PIGEON” — a submarine salvage vessel in
Manila Bay.
3. “PERRY & FISHERIES II” — skippers were Jack
Ferguson and George Petutz.
4. PT-32 — its origination and its assignments in 1942.
Pages also talk about the Bataan prisoners and the “Death
March.”
I am researching this from the ground up and hope that
this could possibly turn into a story or article of some sort.
Unfortunately I am from the old school and do not have
access to the Internet or E-mail and rely solely on written correspondence and legwork research.
Someone mentioned that there was a 1940’s movie made
called “Back to Bataan” but have no other details.
The diary also contains some photographs of American
soldiers and their Japanese captors.
I look forward to hearing from you. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Very truly yours,
Robert J. Demetry
Tel: 845-986-4704
FAX: 845-987-2293
Officer’s Roster:
Name
Rank & Org.
Home
Harrison, G.G.* Lt. Commander
San Francisco,
U.S. Naval Reserve California
Welch, J.L.*
Lt.
Coronado,
U.S. Navy
California
Raymond, F.L.* Lt.
Amesbury,
U.S. Naval Reserve Massachusetts
Garreti, W.K.*
Lt.
Manila,
U.S. Naval Reserve Philippines
Newell, F.R. Jr.*+ Lt. (j.g.)
Brattleboro,
U.S. Naval Reserve Vermont
Hamilton, D.W. Jr.* Lt. (j.g.)
Roswell,
U.S. Navy
New Mexico
Plant, W.H.*
Ensign
Long Beach,
U.S. Naval Reserve California
Herbold, A.J.*
2nd Lt.
St. Joseph,
U.S. Army
Missouri
Oster, J.C.*
Chief Boatswain
N. Vasselboro,
U.S. Navy
Maine
MEDICAL OFFICERS:
Artman, R.T.** Major (MC)
U.S. Army
Kornblum, M.H.** Captain (DC)
U.S. Army
Bernstein, M.M.* Captain (MC)
U.S. Army
Suffolk,
Virginia
St. Louis
Missouri
Chicago,
Illinois
Date of Birth
May 8, 1893
July 15, 1901
July 27, 1899
Oct. 29, 1901
Mar. 28, 1915
Jan. 27, 1917
Mar. 18, 1919
July 23, 1913
Mar. 26, 1907
Nov. 20, 1908
Dec. 3, 1909
Sep. 30, 1919
* Arrived in Camp 9/1/42
** Arrived in Camp 10/13/42
+ Author of the diary
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you can help this gentleman,
please do so.
————————
Battling Bastards of Bataan
WWII Memorial Dedication
Won’t you please join us for the dedication of the World
War II Memorial to be held in Washington, DC, May 26-30,
2004. We have 60 rooms for our use and the capability of serving 150 people at our dinner. Therefore, we must limit those
rooms to BBB members, first. When and if, such requests are
filled we will then accept reservations from non-members.
Rooms at the hotel are at the rate of $99.00 per night, (an
exceptional value) plus taxes and reservations must be made
directly to the hotel.
For use to secure the rooms we must ask for a deposit of
$62.00 to be mailed to the BBB at 10 North Church Street,
Schenectady, NY 12305, as soon as possible. Checks are to
be made out to the BBB. Deposits will be returned up to 60
days before the event, March 26, 2004 for any cancellation.
Costs for non-hotel expenses are expected at $132.00 per
person. (In addition to the deposit of $62.00 the sum of $70.00
will be collected at registration.) These charges are for those
staying at the hotel and are for transportation for two days, a
registration fee, a reception with an open bar and a hospitality
room for two days and a dinner. Taxes are included in the
amount of $132.00. Those contemplating staying fewer nights
are still required to pay the amount of $132.00 per person.
There are a number of requests to attend from people living or staying in Washington who do not require a hotel room.
The price for this group is $102.00 per person which includes a
registration fee, and an open bar at the reception and dinner
with all taxes and gratuities included. For this group no transportation to the events is included.
Plans are now in place by the WWII Memorial Committee
to have a four day gathering of the veterans, May 27-30, 2004,
on the Mall. On May 29, 2004 memorial services will be held in
the National Cathedral and that afternoon will see the dedication ceremonies of the Memorial. For those with access to a
computer you will find the program at www.wwiimemorial.com.
For more details contact Richard M. Gorden at the North
Church St. address.
JULY, 2003 — 15
~ Deceased ~
Sereno A. Alegre, Sr.
Ann A. Bernatitus
Sereno A. Alegre, Sr., 84, a WWII
Death March survivor, died on March 23,
2003 in California.
On September 1, 1941, Alegre was
drafted in the Far East as a Corporal,
USAFFE, by the then Col. MacArthur,
USA. He was then a law student at the
University of Santo Tomas College of Law.
He saw action at the Lingayan Gulf. While
attached to Co. A, 3rd Battalion, 22nd
Infantry Div., he fought at Abucay, Bataan.
He was captured on April 8, 1942 by the
Japanese at Mt. Samat, Pangasinan, and
became a POW at Camp O’Donnell,
Tarlac. On contacting Malaria, he was
hospitalized at the San Lazaro Hospital,
Manila. He was provisionally released on
June 23, 1943, by the Japanese Forces at
Malacaniong, Manila, on the Pasig River.
He then, on October 7, 1944, joined the
underground spies under the 121st
Infantry Battalion, under Capt. O’Day. He
received land mines from U.S. submarines at Sabangan Beach, Ilocos Sur,
on the South China Sea, Luzon. He was
spot-promoted from Field sergeant to 1st
lieutenant by Col. Volkman, USA.
At Bessang Pass, Ilocos Sur, he fought
and followed the retreating Japanese
toward Mountain Province, for a distance
of 99 kilometers.
An honorable discharge terminated his
military service in 1951, after which he
became a lawyer, politician and Civil
Servant at Banna, Ilocos Sur. On retirement as a senior citizen, he came to
Oakland, CA.
Memorial service was held at the
Forest Lawn Mortuary, and he was buried
at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park,
Glendale, CA.
Survivors are Wife Elefonte, brother
Pastor S.S. Alegre, Jr., and several
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
————————
Ann A. Bernatitus, 91, a resident of
Wesley Village, Jenkins Twp., passed
away Monday, March 3, 2003 at the
Wilkes Barre General Hospital.
Born January 21, 1912 in Exeter, she
was the daughter of the late Alexander
and Margaret Adamaitis. She was a
member of St. Casimir’s Church, Pittston.
Ms. Bernatitus received her nurses training at the Wyoming Valley Homeopathic
Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
She joined the Navy in 1936.
Ms. Bernatitus was appointed Ensign,
Nurse Corps, U.S. Navy on September
25, 1937. While on duty at the U.S. Naval
Hospital in Canacao, Philippine Islands,
she was evacuated to the Army Sternberg
Hospital in Manila following the bombing
to the Navy yard at Cavidt on December
10, 1941. On December 24, 1941, as a
member of the Navy surgical team #5,
she joined the Army surgical units and
was ordered to Camp Limay on the
Bataan Peninsula to set up hospital #1.
The hospital functioned until January
23, 1942, when because of the front lines
falling back she was ordered to evacuate
and move to Little Baguio. The hospital
was bombed twice, on March 30, 1942
and April 7, 1942. Two days before the
fall of Bataan April 8, 1942 all nurses
including Ann were ordered to Corregidor,
when on April 10, 1942 Bataan fell to the
Japanese. On April 29, 1942, 20 Army
nurses and 30 others were evacuated by
two Navy PBYs. One civilian woman and
12 Army-Navy officers were evacuated by
the submarine USS Spearfish on May 3,
1942. After 17 days, through enemy
territory, the USS Spearfish arrived in
Freemantle Australia, May 20, 1942.
Ann returned to the USA in July of 1942
where, following her return she was
awarded the first Legion of Merit Medal
based on her service as a nurse during
the campaign in the Manila-Bataan
Peninsula areas.
On April 15, 1945, VJ Day, she was
aboard the hospital ship USS Relief which
participated in the invasion of Okinawa,
evacuating the wounded to Saipan, Tinian
and Guam. August 28, 1945 the USS
Relief was ordered to proceed to Darien,
Manchuria to evacuate prisoners of war
held at Mukden. On September 11, 1945
753 came aboard. September 12 the ship
sailed for Okinawa, arriving September
18th where the patients disembarked.
September 16 the ship was underway at
Taku, China arriving September 30 to provide medical facilities for the 1st Marine
Division. Ann was assigned to occupation
duty in China until October 14, 1945 when
she received orders to evacuate patients
to the USA. Ann arrived back in San
Ken Bayley
Ken Bayley, born November 11, 1921
near Plainview, TX, died January 11,
2003 having entered the hospital
December 22 for brain tumor surgery.
Ken enlisted in the National Guard in
1938 and the Army in 1939 and retired a
Captain in the Air Force in 1962.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie; sons
Eric and Charles; daughter Laura; numerous relatives, grandchildren and step
grandchildren. It was suggested to me by
other members that because Ken had
been our faithful Chaplain for so many
years that I send an AGOM bouquet to
which I agreed and did. Bonnie thanks
everyone for the kind words, cards and
prayers.
————————
16 — THE QUAN
Francisco, November 30, 1945. Ann
retired April 1, 1959 as captain NC USN.
She was a life member of the BataanCorregidor Association, The National
Chapter of the DAV, St. Casimir’s Altar
and Rosary Society. The Auxiliary of the
Little Flower Manor-Wilkes-Barre, The
Retired Officers Assoc., The Pocono
Chapter of Retired Officers Assoc. She
was former secretary of St. Casimir’s
Church, and a member of the Pa. Quilters
Club. She was preceded in death by her
brothers and sisters Charles Bernatitus,
Joseph Bernatitus, Constance (Joseph)
Kanavich, Genevieve (David) Blond, mary
Bernatitus, Thomas (Angela) Bernatitus,
Alexander (Ruth) Bernatitus, Alberta
(Russ) Allenbach.
She is survived by sister Martha
(Robert) Wright and many loving nieces
and nephew.
Special nieces are MaryAnn (David)
Baxter and Judith (Hector) Bueno.
Funeral services were held from the
Frank A. Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030
Wyoming Ave., Exeter with Mass of
Christian Burial at St. Casimir’s Church,
Pittston.
Memorial donations may be made to
The Disabled American Veterans
Association or to Wyoming Area Catholic
Schools.
————————
Whitton Brill
I regret to inform you that both my
parents, Whitton and Audrey, have
passed away.
Please cancel their magazine.
Thank you,
Mary Brill
————————
Arthur Floyd Carter
Arthur, one of seven sons born to
Joseph and Cornelia May (Layman)
Carter on March 7, 1916, in Oak Grove,
died April 17, 2003.
His favorite color was green, and his
special places were California and
Arkansas. Arthur described himself as
friendly and outgoing. His hobbies
included hunting and fishing. His favorite
food was Chinese.
Arthur loved the song, “Sentimental
Journey”, and the movie “Gone With The
Wind”. He once worked as a double for
the actor, Clark Gable. His heroes
included General Robert E. Lee and
General Wainwright.
Arthur served our country with the
United States Marine Corps during World
War II and received The Bronze Star for
valor when he was a prisoner of war
during the Bataan Death March.
He was elected County Judge for 28
years, and was noted for his compassion
for youngsters and essentially forming the
road department. He and his uncle, A.L.
Carter, were instrumental in creating what
is now Carroll Regional Medical Center.
He served as a legislator and was also
responsible for spearheading with others
many improvements such as the county
airport. In 1989, he was named top dairy
producer in Carroll County.
Arthur was a member of the First
Presbyterian Church where he served as
an elder, a member of rotary, a civil
servant, and a volunteer at the Heritage
Center and the Berryville Chamber of
Commerce.
————————
Albert J. Dains
Albert Dains died Tuesday, January 23,
2001, at Mercy Medical Center in
Redding.
Born March 2, 1916, in Council Grove,
Kan., he moved to Shasta County in 1972
from McKinleyville.
He was a U.S. Marine Corps master
sergeant and veteran of World War II and
the Korean War, and a prisoner of war in
Japan during World War II.
Survivors include sons Jerry, Donald,
Ronald, James and David; daughters
Nancy Chesnick and Penny Malcolm;
brothers Murt Bellus and Val; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to
the World War II Veterans Memorial
Fund, American Battle Commission,
Attention: GR048, P.O. Box 96074,
Washington, DC 20090-6074.
————————
Coy Elmo Daugherty
Coy Elmo Daugherty, 83, died on
Sunday, February 23, 2003, at the Va
Medical Center. Coy was born in Galax,
Va. on January 27, 1920. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roby
Monroe and Ollie Bolen Daugherty and
his brother and sister-in-law, Clayton and
Pauline Roberts Daugherty. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mildred
Bane Daugherty and their children and
spouses, Connie and Ronnie Polniak,
Ann and Michael Marten, Don and Lisa
Daugherty; Neil and Sandra Daugherty
and Becky and Bill Fowler; ten grandchildren; four brothers and four sisters.
On February 7, 1940, he enlisted in the
U.S. Army and was stationed with Battery
H Coast Artillery Battalion, Fort Mills,
Corregidor, Philippine Islands. He was
surrendered to the Japanese on May 6,
1942, and spent three and one-half years
as a POW. Ssgt. Daugherty was liberated
on August 14, 1945, at Hosokura, Japan
and was awarded the following medals:
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Prisoner of
War, Army Good Conduct, American
Defense, American Defense Foreign
Service, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, World
War II Victory, Army Service Ribbon with
one Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation
Medal and Distinguished Unit Badge with
two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.
Coy was a life member of the American
Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, the
American X-POWs, and the Disabled
American Veterans. He was also a member of American Legion #3 and VFW Post
#4318, Roanoke Valley Chapter of the
American X-POWS, and a volunteer for
sixteen years at the Salem VA Medical
Center.
Coy was a Charter Member of the Fort
Lewis Fire Department and Rescue
Squad. He spent over thirty years in the
construction business around the
Roanoke area. He was a member of
Locust Grove United Methodist church for
fifty-five years where he served as a
Trustee, Sunday School teacher and
Treasurer of the Church for many years.
Funeral services were on Friday,
February 28, 2003, at Locust Grove
United Methodist Church. Interment was
in Arlington National Cemetery with full
military honors at a later date.
————————
Joseph Crea
U.S. Air Force Ret. Msgt. Joseph Crea,
age 83, of 621 Arrow St., Parker, Fla.,
passed away Saturday, May 6, 2000, in a
local hospital. He had been a resident of
Bay County since 1964, coming here from
Smyrna, Tenn. Mr. Crea served his country in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force for
30 years during World War II and was a
survivor of the Bataan Death March, and
was a POW. He enjoyed stamp collecting
and coin collecting, was a member of
Masonic Lodge of Parker and was a
member of Parker United Methodist
Church. Mr. Crea is survived by two sons,
Joseph W. Crea and John Thomas Crea
III and wife Mary Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Parker
Crea. Graveside funeral services were
held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, at
Parker Cemetery with the Rev. Gary
Daniels officiating. Interment followed with
military honors conducted by Tyndall AFB
and Masonic Rites conducted by Parker
Lodge.
————————
G.T. Davis
My father, G.T. Davis, died on March
23, 2003. He was a life member of the
American Defenders of Bataan and
Corregidor, Inc. His member number is
1580.
Thank you,
Judith Reed
401 Village Lane
Wake Village, TX 75501
903-831-4689
————————
John Dunderdale
My father, John Dunderdale, has been
a member of the American Defenders of
Bataan and Corregidor. He served in the
U.S. Navy in that area during World War
II. I’m sorry to inform you that my father
died in November, 1989. I have been
meaning to let you know, but somehow it
keeps getting set aside.
Sincerely,
John Jeffrey Dunderdale
————————
Rizalina Felicisimo
Rizalina Raz Felicisimo was born at
Banga, Aklan on the island of Panay,
Philippines and died April 3, 2003 in
California.
After graduation from the Philippine
General Hospital School of Nursing in
1939, she stayed on at the hospital as a
staff nurse.
She married Dr. Bienvenido Alona, a
member of the Philippine Army, who was
a survivor of the Death March. On release
as a POW, Dr. Alona died September 3,
1944.
Nurse Alona went to Okinawa as a U.S.
Army nurse. There she married Lt. Jose
Felicisimo, U.S. Army.
She worked in 1959 at the Sunny Acres
Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, and later at
West Los Angeles as a private nurse.
Among her patients was Mary Pickford,
Hedy Lamarr, Betty Grable and the
former U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Ivy
Baker.
On retirement in 1984, she became
active at the Ellinwood Malate Church,
Manila. Her travels included the Far East
and Israel.
Memorial service was held April 12,
2003 at the St. Peter By the Sea, at
Rancho Palos Verde, CA.
————————
JULY, 2003 — 17
John Galbraith Jr.
Kermit Lay
John Wilson Lee
Lt. Col. John M. Galbraith Jr., Ret., 82,
of 128 Linda Ave., Panama City, passed
away on Monday, Jan. 31, 2000 at a local
hospital. He was born in Palmetto in 1917
to Laura Harllee Galbraith and J.M.
Galbraith Sr. He graduated from the
University of Florida in 1938 with a B.S. in
forestry (with honors). This was the first
class of forestry offered. Upon graduation
from college, he received a second lieutenant’s commission in the U.S. Army
Reserve. He was stationed in the
Philippines when World War II began. He
served with the 1st Battalion, 57th
Infantry, Philippine Division. He survived
the Bataan Death March and 31⁄2 years in
a Japanese prisoner of war camp. He
retired from the U.S. Army in January
1961 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He
was baptized in the Church of Christ. He
was a coordinator and lifetime member of
The John Birch Society. He was adjutant
and chaplain of the Hutchison-Poplawski
Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of
War. He was predeceased by his wife,
Laramine Dale Galbraith. He is survived
by two children, John M. Galbraith, III (26
years with the Gainesville Police
Department) and his wife, Darlene L.
Galbraith, and Janine G. Cosson and her
husband, Larry R. Cosson (U.S. Army,
Retired); three sisters: Cate Thompson,
Rora Cox and Margaret Green; three
grandchildren: Gil Cosson, Craig Cosson
and Stephen Cosson; two great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces,
nephews, great-nieces and greatnephews. Funeral services were held at
10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home
Chapel on Friday, Feb. 4, 2000 with the
Rev. Bruce Raley of First Baptist Church
officiating.
————————
Capt. Kermit R. Lay, a retired and
highly decorated Army veteran who
survived the Bataan Death March and 31⁄2
years in Japanese prisoner of war camps,
died of heart failure at the Veterans
Affairs Medical Center in Martinez. He
was 87.
Capt. Lay fought bravely during the
four-month Japanese siege of the U.S.
garrison on Corregidor, winning a field
commission to second lieutenant in
January 1942. In April, he rescued a pair
of Filipino scouts under a rain of artillery
fire, and 43 years later he was awarded
the Gold Cross from the Philippine government
in
a
San
Francisco
ceremony.But following the American surrender on April 9, 1942, Capt. Lay
became a living witness to the brutality
and atrocities of the Japanese Army during the 100-mile Bataan Death March.
He survived that march, and his incarceration in the Japanese prison camps of
O’Donnell and Cabanatuan in the
Philippines and Tanagawa, Zentsuji and
Roku Roshi in Japan. He was liberated on
September 8, 1945.
The U.S. medals he was awarded
included the Silver Star, the nation’s third
highest for bravery. He also received
three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts for
wounds and the POW Medal. The searing
experience of Bataan left a deep impression on Capt. Lay, and he was
haunted by memories throughout his life.
He battled unsuccessfully, through a veterans group called American Defenders
of Bataan and Corregidor, for former
POW compensation from the Japanese
government.
Following the war, Capt. Lay remained
in the Army, serving as an ROTC instructor at UC Berkeley, and in 1949 he ran an
armored train during the Berlin Airlift. He
retired from the Army in 1951. Subsequently he worked as a deputy sheriff in
Fort Worth, Texas, and bodyguard and
chauffeur for the chairman of Crocker
Bank, in San Francisco. He was married
to Virginia Paula Lay, who died in 1997.
Capt. Lay was born in Altus, Okla., and
enlisted in the Army in 1933. He was stationed in numerous locales, including the
Philippines, before he mustered out of the
14th U.S. Horse Calvary late in the
1930s. But in August 1941, he rejoined as
a private, expecting to serve in Utah.
Instead, he was shipped out to the
Philippines, just weeks before the
Japanese attacked.
He is survived by his son, Kermit Jr.
and Lynn and three grandchildren, Daniel,
Scott and Jason. Funeral services were
held at the Scottish Rite Temple on 19th
Avenue in San Francisco. Contributions
may be made to the San Francisco
Scottish Rite Center for Childhood
Language Disorders, 2850 19th Ave., San
Francisco 94132.
————————
CEDAR CITY — John Wilson Lee, age
81, passed away on Thursday, January 9,
2003 at the Kolob Regional Medical
Center in Cedar City, Utah. He was born
in March 4, 1921 in Holmdel, NJ. He
married Muriel Olive Young on April 23,
1983 in Pompano Beach, FL.
John served in World War II in the U.S.
Navy. He was a life member of Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of Utah,
Franklin Albert Pike Lodge #12; VFW in
Enoch; American Legion; American
Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor. He
was also a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
As his numerous friends will agree,
Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain. Please
make donations to Best Friends Animal
Sanctuary, Kanab, UT 84741-5000.
He is survived by his wife, Muriel Lee,
and children, Debbie Donahue, Robert
Fleury, Richard Fleury, step sons, 3
grandchildren, 2 nephews Jerry and
Chuck Waienta.
Memorial services were held January
18, 2003 at the Community Presbyterian
Church, 2279 N. Wedgewood Lane,
Cedar City, UT.
————————
18 — THE QUAN
Leoncco Lukingan
Leoncco Lukingan died February 17,
2003 at Baguio City, Philippines.
————————
Frederico M. Mandapat
Frederico M. Mandapat died at the age
of 86 in Baguio City, Philippines on April
14, 2003 from cancer. He was born on
July 18, 1916 at San Carlos, Pangasinan.
At the age of 32, in 1940, he was on
the Philippines Team of the East
Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, in the 400
meter low hurdle, where he was one of
the world’s best record holder of 0.54
seconds, becoming the 7th throughout
the world.
When Bataan fell on April 9, 1942, he
endured the Death March from Bataan to
Camp O’Donnell, Pampanga, and to
Capas, Tarlas. After WWII, he became an
attorney, and a Police City Major in
Baguio City, from which position he
retired after 30 years. He leaves his wife
Aerelian and ten children.
————————
Garry Kundo
Garry Go (Golofred) Kundo died March
1, 2002 in Baguio City, Philippines.
————————
John Massimino
Daniel Hardin Nugent
This is to inform you that John
Massimino, 5543 104th Way, N. Seminole,
FL 33772-7428 has been deceased since
October 23, 2001. John was a survivor of
the Bataan Death March and a life member
of the American Defenders since 1983.
Sincerely,
Mrs. John Massimino
————————
Mr. Daniel Hardin “Little Dan” Nugent,
age 78, of 6125 Boatrace Road,
Callaway, Fla., died Thursday, May 13,
1999 at a local hospital. He had been a
resident of the area since 1987 coming
here from Clarksville, Tenn. Mr. Nugent
served his country in the U.S. Army for 20
years. He served during World War II with
the 192nd Tank Battalion based in Fort
Knox. He landed in the Philippines on
Thanksgiving Day in 1941 and was sent
to Leizon (Bataan) and was captured in
1942. He was a member of the Bataan
Death March and sent to Camp O’Donnell
in 1942, Camp Tarlac in 1942, Karenko in
1942-43, Taiwan in 1943, Sherakewaya
from 1943-1944, then to Mukden,
Manchuria, and was liberated by the
Russians in 1945. Mr. Nugent was a
member of the first Baptist Church of
Panama City Beach. He was a Master
Mason and member of Lodge 177 in
Clarksville, Tenn.; a member of the West
Kentucky Consistory in Madisonville, Ky.,
and a member of the Sojourners in
Clarksville, Tenn. He was a Kentucky
Colonel, and a member of the HutchisonPoplawski Chapter of the American ExPOW’s. He was in the carpet business for
20 years in Clarksville, Tenn. Mr. Nugent
is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ruth
Nugent; a daughter, Debra Dee Nugent; a
sister, Mary Edna Flake; and a brother,
James Nugent. Funeral services were
held at 2 p.m., Monday, May 17 at KentForest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with
the Rev. Jerry Weaver officiating.
————————
Ulpino Naredo
Ulpino Naredo, 89, died February 14,
2003 at the Regional Medical Center, San
Jose, CA. He fought the Japanese
invaders at Miagao, Iloilo, on the island of
Panay, Philippines. He was a native of
Agoo, Pangasinan on the Lingayan Gulf.
During the Japanese invasion, he was a
teacher by profession.
————————
Walter P. Pankratz
LUSTRE — Walter P. Pankratz, 83, of
Lustre, passed away October 11, 2002, at
Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, from
cancer.
Walter was the son of Peter P. and
Helena Falk Pankratz, born April 5, 1919,
in Lustre. He grew up in Lustre and
attended Bethel Lustre Church and went
to the Grandview School for eight years.
He joined the Army in 1941 and went to
the Philippine Islands. After the war
started, he was captured on Corregidor
Island with General Jonathan Wainwright
on May 6, 1942. He was taken to Bilibid
Prison on the outskirts of Manila, and
later removed to the infamous Camp
O’Donnell. He was also at Cabanatuan
Prison. He was liberated on February 4,
1945, having been a POW for 33 months.
Walter married Elizabeth Teichroew on
May 27, 1949. They farmed and ranched
in Lustre and Opheim.
He enjoyed farming, traveling and POW
reunions.
Walter was preceded in death by his
parents; one sister, Lydia; and brothers,
Peter F., William, Londo, John, Henry and
Richard.
Survivors include his wife Elizabeth; six
sons, Marvin (Colleen), Larry (Colleen),
James (Grace), Kenneth (Lori), David
(Donna) and Donald. Also surviving are
nine grandchildren; one brother, Nick; and
one sister, Helen Hall; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Visitations were held from 1 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 17, at the Clayton
Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point.
Funeral services were held at 10:30
a.m., Friday, October 18, at the Lustre
EMB Church, with pastor John Skillman
officiating. Interment was in the Bethel
Lustre Cemetery.
————————
Joseph T. Poster
Joseph T. Poster, 83, of Allentown,
died May 30 in Lehigh Valley Hospital,
Salisbury Township. He was the husband
of the late Helen (Pawkewicz) Poster.
He was a manager in the engineering
department of Mack Trucks Inc.,
Allentown, before retiring in 1983. Afer
retiring, he was a volunteer claims service
oficer for the Veterans Administration,
Allentown.
Born in Thompsonville, Conn., he was
a son of the late John and Anna
(Ondercin) Poster.
He was a member of St. Thomas More
Catholic Church, Salisbury Township.
He was an Army veteran of World War
II and received a Bronze Star.
He was a past national commander of
the American Defenders of the Bataan
and Corregidor and a member of the
Honorary First Defenders, American
Legion, and Chapel of the Four
Chaplains, Philadelphia.
Survivors: Brother, Edward of
Potstown, Montgomery County; sister,
Eileen Kneafsey of West Chester,
Chester County; nieces, nephews.
Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday in the
church. Visitation was 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday in the church. Arrangements
were by Weber Funeral Home, 1619
Hamilton St., Allentown.
Contributions: St. Thomas More
Catholic School.
————————
Frank Edward Riley
Frank Edward Riley, Captain, U.S.
Army, Ret., and Bataan Death March survivor, 84, of Palm Springs, Florida,
passed away very early on May 2, 2003
at his residence. Captain Riley was born
June 13, 1918 in St. Joseph, Missouri,
where, after high school, he joined the
National Guard, ultimately receiving a
direct commission as Second Lieutenant.
Posted to the Philippines in 1941, he
commanded a hard-fighting tank platoon
in the defense of Bataan. After making
the infamous Death March, he spent 44
months in Japanese internment, surviving
three Allied attacks on prison ships before
being freed in Manchuria at war’s end.
After WWII he helped train armored units
at Ft. Knox, served as commandant of
Camp Yokohama, became a counterintelligence agent during the Korean
Conflict, served on the U.N. Military
Armistice Commission in the Demilitarized
Zone, and spent a final duty tour at a
missile base in Vicenza, Italy. Among his
numerous decorations were the Purple
Heart and the Bronze Star. He retired
from the Army in 1961, after 24 years of
military service.
Moving to Florida, he worked in West
Palm Beach for Butler Aviation Company
before joining Palm Beach County administration. In 1982 he retired as Assistant
Purchasing Director for the County, a
position he held for 10 years.
He was preceded in death by his
parents, John C. Riley, Sr. and Cora
Frances Riley (nee Grooms); his sister,
Helen Frances Zebelean; his brother,
John C. Riley, Jr.; as well as his nephew,
John C. Riley III and an infant daughter,
Cheryl Ann Riley.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years,
Lyla Pauline Riley; his daughter, Sandra
Riley Fittinghoff and her husband
Nicholas. Also surviving are his married
grandchildren, Catherine M.F. Lohmann
(Kenneth); Stephen N. Fittinghoff (Leslie);
and David N. Fittinghoff (Lisa); as well as
a nephew, Richard Zebelean; and a
niece, Susan Wagner; four great-granddaughters, and a great-grandson. He was
pleased to count among his descendents
and their spouses four Doctors of
Philosophy and a Doctor of Medicine.
Visitation was Sunday, May 4 at
Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Memory Gardens
Funeral Home. Funeral service was
conducted and a graveside service on
Monday, May 5. Donations to the Hospice
of Palm Beach County, 5300 East
Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
would be appreciated.
————————
JULY, 2003 — 19
William Richey
Robert E. Stahl, Sr.
Please note that my husband, William
Richey, died May 18, 2003.
Molly Richey
————————
Robert Edward Stahl Sr., who spent 16
months during World War II organizing
coast watchers and guerrilla resistance in
the Japanese-held Philippine Islands and
wrote two books about that period, died of
cancer at Gilchrist Center for Hospice
Care. He was 82.
Born in Shamokin, Pa., Mr. Stahl grew
up during the Depression and moved to
Baltimore in 1938, after graduating from
high school, to work at the Goodyear Tire
store on Mount Royal Avenue.
He enlisted in the Army after the attack
on Pearl Harbor, and was sent to
Australia in the signal corps after he
learned cryptology, according to his son,
Robert E. Stahl Jr. of Baltimore.
“He would decode messages and take
them to Gen. (Douglas) MacArthur, Allied
commander in the Pacific,” his son said.
After it was found that valuable information could be gathered about Japanese
activities in the Philippines with the aid of
signals and codes, Mr. Stahl was taken
there by submarine in 1943.
Although he originally was to stay three
months, he stayed 16 months, organizing
hidden groups of U.S. servicemen,
stranded civilians and Philippine partisans. He left, swimming offshore to meet
a Navy plane sent to get him, just before
General MacArthur fulfilled his famous
promise to return.
He was discharged as a captain and
received a Bronze Star.
“When I was a kid, he never encouraged
me as far as war or guns were concerned,”
his son said.
But using old diaries, research and
interviews with surviving Philippine veterans, Mr. Stahl wrote two books during the
past few years, titled You’re No good to
Me Dead , which he said were General
MacArthur’s words to him before he was
sent to the Philippines, and Fugitives –
Evading and Escaping the Japanese, the
story of the men he worked with.
Mr. Stahl had met his future wife, the
former Ruth Molin, at Knoebel’s Grove
swim club near their hometown in 1941.
He told a friend, “that’s the girl I’m going
to marry,” his wife said.
They married in 1945 and while she
taught school, he went to college, earning
a degree in civil engineering from Lehigh
University in Bethlehem, Pa.
A series of engineering jobs included
work on the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the
Russell Street viaduct in Baltimore. The
couple moved to the city in 1955. Years
later, he became vice president of
McFarland-Johnson Engineers, Inc. After
retirement, he went into the home
improvement business with his son.
An active Mason, he belonged to
Boumi Temple, and was a member of the
Engineers Club of Baltimore and many
professional societies. He was also
president of the Anneslie Community
Association from 1967 to 1969.
Emory Charles Schlick
Emory Charles Schlick, of Boulder, died
of natural causes on Tuesday, December
3, 2002, in Boulder. He was 97.
Born October 30, 1905, in Omaha,
Neb., he was the son of Charles E.
Schlick and Mabel Louise Johnson
Schlick.
He served in the Army during World
War II, was captured on April 9, 1942,
and was sent to the O’Donnell Prison
Camp in the Philippines as a prisoner of
war, then to a Mukden, Manchuria camp.
He was liberated on August 19, 1945. He
is listed among the participants of the
Death March.
Mr. Schlick moved to Boulder in 1997
from Pinecliffe.
He was employed as a tile setter for
Denver Mantle and Tile until he retired in
1970. He then co-opened a sign painting
business in Denver.
Mr. Schlick was a member of the
Central City Masonic Lodge, where he
served as Knight Templar, a member of
Black Hawk Masonic Lodge and the
Order of the Eastern Star, Central City.
His family has a photo of him skiing
from the house to the mailbox and back,
at the age of 90. “He will be missed by his
numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and -nephews and his close friend,
Ruth Thompson of Denver,” his family
said.
Survivors include two sisters, Cecelia
Tregay and Lorraine Plass.
Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. at Howe
Mortuary, 2121 11th St., Boulder.
A Masonic graveside service was at
2 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Park,
3016 Kalmia Ave., Boulder, with military
committal.
————————
Jim Schoen
Jim Schoen, age 86, died at 7 a.m. on
November 11, 2002 from a severe stroke
or heart attack in a Reno hospital and
was interred at the Firnly, Nevada Military
Cemetery on November 18, 2002.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary Lou,
son James and daughters Linda, Maggie
and Debie. Mary Lou said Jim had asked
the nurse what day it was and she told
him November 11, Veterans Day, and Jim
replied “this would be a good day to die”,
and he did. Mary Lou thanks everyone for
the cards and prayers.
————————
20 — THE QUAN
He learned to fly airplanes, and liked
music, gardening, swimming and photography. He drove his motor home 250,000
miles across the United States and
Canada, and was a volunteer at the
Hampton National Historical Site.
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m.
February 8 at Trinity Episcopal Church,
120 Allegheny Ave., in Towson, where he
was a member and sang in the choir.
In addition to his wife and son, he is
survived by a daughter, Deborah A. Stahl;
two sisters, Miriam Cordell and Betty
Wiest; a brother, Jack Stahl and two
grandchildren. A daughter, Holly Ruth,
died at age 6 in 1963.
————————
Milton H. Strouse
Milton H. “Milt” Strouse died on March
28, 2003. He was born January 28, 1916.
A service with military honors was held
at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2003 at Fort
Rosecrans National Cemetery, San
Diego, California. Officiating at the service
were Pastor Steven Locke and the United
States Navy Honor Guard.
————————
Regis Mart Theriac
Regis Mart Theriac, 84, 3478 E. Meier
Circle, died at 7:01 a.m. on Friday,
February 28, 2003, at Good Samaritan
Hospital.
Born November 13, 1918, in Knox
County, he was the son of Guy and
Yodus (Coleman) Theriac.
He was a retired machinist operator at
the Crane Naval Depot. He enjoyed an
extensive hobby of woodworking.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran
Church, American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars and the American
Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor.
Survivors include his wife, Fern L.
Baker, whom he married June 17, 1947,
in Denver, Colo.; two sons, Warren
(Joyce) Theriac and Tim (Lane) Theriac;
a grandson, Regis W. Theriac; four
brothers, Jesse Theriac, Wallace Theriac,
Andrew Theriac and Charlie Theriac; and
five sisters, Norma Theriac, Wanda
Theriac, Cinda Theriac, Barbara McCrary
and Pearl Wagner.
He was preceded in death by his
parents, a brother, a sister and a
granddaughter.
Theriac served in the U.S. Army from
January 1941 to February 1947.
In 1941, he enlisted in the Army and
was assigned to the 17th Ordnance
Company at Fort Knox, Ky. The unit was
attached to the 192nd Tank Battalion and
was sent overseas in September 1941 to
the Philippine Islands, where they
assisted that country from Japanese
invasion.
On April 9, 1942, U.S. forces were surrendered on Bataan. American and
Filipino soldiers were forced to march 75
miles without food, water or medical
attention in hot tropical climate.
About 1,200 troops died on the
infamous “Death March.” From the
Philippines, Theriac was transported in a
“hell ship” to Mukden, Manchuria, and
was forced to work as slave labor for the
Japanese. He was liberated after 42
months in a prisoner-of-war camp.
He spent two and a half years in a hospital for tuberculosis, due to the Death
March, before being discharged with the
rank of staff sergeant.
Theriac received a distinguished unit
citation with two Oak Leaf Clusters, a
Bronze Star, the Philippine Defense
Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic
Pacific Service Medal, World War II
Victory Medal and American Theater
Medal.
Visitation was at Goodwin Funeral
Home from 2 to 8 p.m.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m.
at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor
Nathan Rastl officiating. Burial was in
Memorial Park Cemetery, with military
honors given by the American LegionVeterans of Foreign Wars firing squad.
Regis always had a twinkle in his eye, a
smile on his face and would do anything
for anyone. He was well liked by all who
knew him.
————————
Wendell D. Thompson
I am writing to tell you that my husband,
Lt. Cmdr. Wendell D. Thompson, Ret.,
died on February 12, 2003. He was on
Bataan and Corregidor and was a prisoner of war for 33 months at Cabanatuan
#1. He was a life member of American
Ex-POWs and also a life member of
American Defenders of Bataan and
Corregidor. He was a Mason and a member of the Church of Christ.
Burial was private at the Masonic
Memorial Park in Tumwater, Wa. There
was a memorial service at the Church of
Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years,
Mary Helen; two sons and four
grandsons.
————————
Bio of Edward E. Thomas
Born: Knox, Indiana on May 3, 1920
Raised: in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Graduated: 1939, enjoyed sports greatly
Military: joined Army in ’39 and shipped
out in ’40
Assigned: telephone construction in
Philippines
Captured: by Japanese in April ’42
Marched: on Bataan Death March same
time
Interned: Cabanatuan Prison Camp
Endured: diphtheria, beriberi, malaria
Silenced: 2 years before his mother knew
he was alive
Rescued: January 30, ’45 by Sixth Rangers
Fell: for his Sweetheart, Dorothy Parkinson
from Grand Rapids
Married: September 21, 1945 in San
Francisco
Loved: her then and loves her still
Returned: to hometown to build a new life
together
Worked: as a policeman, then began a
new business
Hot and Cold: a heating and cooling
business from ground up
Helped birth: ’46 his family of son Michael
Edward and in ’48 and ’50, two daughters, Deborah Jane and Karen Adele
Fostered: two special other children,
Patty, 16 and Patrick, 9
Built: with Dorothy their nearby house at
10 Garland Street and a summer
cottage on cozy Michigan Lake
Covered: took in Grandpa Parkinson to
live with us 21 years
Joined: local Methodist Church and
served as a lay leader
Moved: to Arizona for daughter Deb’s
health in March ’60
Health Trial: heart attack, age 40 and God
spared him
Found: Christ Church United Methodist
and joined it
Served: as lay leader again
Joined: mens prayer group which
changed his life
Awoke: came into a personal relationship
with the Lord Jesus
Employed: at Riteway Ventilating, fulltime job for several years
Traded: laid down his regular job and
went into ministry
Ordained: as a deacon for Methodist
church 1968
Pastored: two times for both Patagonia
and Bisbee churches from 1968-1979
Generationed: became a grandfather and
a great-grandfather
Retired: in 1979 and went on to volunteer
in mission work
Life spared three times more: a serious
car accident in 1967, triple bi-pass
1995, major back surgery 1999
Member of: American Defenders of
Bataan and Corregidor, American
ex-POW, VFW, and DAV
Authored: two books, “As I Remember”
(World War II chronicle) and “As I
Remember Uncle Frank” and featured
as one of four biographied ex-prisoners
in Hamptom Sides best-seller, “Ghost
Soldiers”
Taken: April 11, 2003 to Heaven, age 82
Remembered as; loving, caring, kind, witty,
talkative, smart and wise, playful, punctual, generous, proud, encourager,
social, committed, hard-working,
devoted, tender, opinionated, frugal,
affectionate, sharp memory, pro-active
at prayer, self-sacrificing, long-suffering,
courageous Christian
Survived by: wife Dorothy, son (Michael
(Jane), daughters Debbie (Terry) and
Karen (Don), six grandchildren, four
great-grandchildren and a myriad of
precious friends
Marked by his: unquenched love of family
and for His Lord
Favorite scriptures: Psalm 34 and
Philippians 2:1-11, though there were
many others
Frequent expression of happiness:
“Super!”, “Praise the Lord!” and “Amen!”
Motto he lived by: “Just try to live each
day, take only what I send your way.”
Missed: Forever and always, but all who
love and follow Jesus will see him
again!
————————
Woodrow Wilson Walden
CLAYTON, Ga. - Woodrow “Woody”
Walden, 88, of Clayton died Sunday,
March 9, 2003, in Lanire Park Hospital in
Gainesville.
Born in Tampa, Fla., he had spent most
of his life in Florida and in Clayton. He
was a U.S. Army veteran during World
War II and was a survivor of the Bataan
Death March. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are widow, Montine Walden
of the home.
He was the son of the late Egbert and
Daisy Hooker Walden.
Graveside services were at the Roane
Cemetery with the Rev. Melvin Charles
officiating. There were full military honors
and no formal visitation. The body lied in
state after 2 p.m. Monday, March 10 until
4 p.m. Wednesday, March 12.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of
arrangements.
————————
Alfred J. Zangrillo
Alfred J. Zangrillo, age 85, passed
away in his home in Boca Raton, Florida
on November 4, 2002, following a long
struggle with cancer. He is survived by his
wife, Anna, of the family home. He is also
survived by two sons, Michael and
Richard and five grandchildren. He was a
WWII veteran, serving on Bataan, in the
Philippines in the early days of the war.
He was a prisoner of war of the Japanese
for nearly three years. Burial was in the
Boca Raton Mausoleum with full military
honors.
————————
T.J. Watkins
Thomas Jefferson Watkins, or Melvin
Archbold in the Philippines, of 862 Walker
Drive, Walker Lake, NV 89415 passed
away last January 8.
————————
Homer Wright
Homer Wright died on February 1,
2003. Homer earned 2 Silver Stars and 4
Bronze Stars in 2 wars. He was a member of the Citadel’s “Lost Class” that
resigned en masse in 1944 to enlist in the
Army. Commissioned through OCS, he
JULY, 2003 — 21
served with the 6th Armored Division in
World War II where he earned his first
Silver Star for single-handedly manning a
60mm mortar under enemy fire and
putting a round right in the hatch of a
German tank. Following in the footsteps of his father, Colonel Robert
Wright, who commanded B Company
31st Infantry in Manila and Shanghai,
Homer commanded K Company of the
regiment. He earned his second Silver
Star while leading an attack on a hill in
central Korea in 1951. He single-handedly
eliminated a machine gun that had his
company pinned down and then led his
men by example to take the hill. After
retiring from the Army in 1964, Homer
earned an MA degree at Trinity University, taught school in Connecticut, and
traveled extensively in the Middle East to
develop material for lectures on biblical
and ancient history. He is interred with his
father at Arlington National Cemetery.
————————
Virginia Rowland
Virginia Rowland, age 84, of Westerville, passed away Thursday, January 2,
2003 at Manor Care Nursing Center. She
retired from Westerville Farmers
Exchange and Otterbein College. Virginia
was a member of the O’Club.
She is survived by a loving husband,
John E.; son, David (Karen) Rowland;
daughter, Diane (Charles) Penry; 4 grandchildren and numerous other relatives.
————————
Margarett M. Villarin
Margarett M. Villarin, Life Member
#1315 (Assoc.) of ADBC, passed away
on May 24, 2003, at a Long Beach, CA
hospital, at age 88. Survivors are her
husband, Mariano (Mario), author of “We
Remember Bataan and Corregidor,” three
children and two grandchildren.
————————
Quans Returned
Deceased
G.T. Davis
Rt. #2 Box 56
de Kalb, TX 75559-9606
Austin NM. Murdock
13737 15th Ave. NE Apt. B8
Seattle, WA 98125
Foy E. Pribble
2233 Cheyenne Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95405-8014
T.J. Watkins
862 Walker Drive
Walker Lake, NV 89415-9644
Woodrow W. Walden
6510 River Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33604-6028
————————
The U.S. Army and the Lewis & Clark Expedition: 1803-2003
With the election of Thomas Jefferson to the presidency in 1800, the Army received close attention. Contrary to popular opinion, Jefferson increased the size of the army, expanded its role to include building of the nation, reformed its leadership, established
the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York (1802), and paid particular attention to military affairs along the frontier.
The United States Army in 1802 was organized under the Military Peace Establishment of March 16, 1802. This organization
allowed for two regiments of infantry, one regiment of artillery, a small corps of engineers, and the general staff — a total of 3,287
officers and men. All three line regiments were represented on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Army during the Jefferson administration was the famous Lewis and Clark
Expedition. From the summer of 1803 to the fall of 1806, the Expedition was an Army endeavor, officially called the “Corps of
Volunteers for North Western Discovery.” It led Americans across the breadth of the vast continent for the first time. Its scientific
agenda brought back invaluable information about flora, fauna, hydrology, and geography. Its benign intent resulted in peaceful commerce with Indians encountered en route. The Expedition was, all things considered, a magnificent example of America’s potential
for progress and creative good.
On the bridge of the USAT Grant enroute to Manila, July 1940: Six of the “Angels”. L-R front row: The Ship’s Surgeon,
Madeline, Ship’s Captain and First Mate, and Ethel Thor. L-R back row: Juanita Redmond, Sue Downing, Adele Foreman
and Clara Mueller. Redmond and Downing were evacuated. The other four were taken prisoners on Corregidor and were
interned at Santo Tomas in Manila.
22 — THE QUAN
WWII Philippines Today
Bombs Six Decades Later
By Steve Watson, In the Philippines
Capiz, a Province on the island of Panay, Philippines, was
a battleground against the Japanese invaders. Their unexploded WWII vintage bombs are frequently found.
After WWII, a 1,000 hectare miliary reservation was established at Jamindan, Capiz. Here, at Ft. San Pedro, two WWII
bombs were found while planting fruit trees on 1-8-03. One
1,000 pound bomb measured 19 cm in width. The other was a
200# bomb.
The bomb finders pounded the rusty bombs with metal,
but the bombs did not explode. A Philippine Army Detachment
detonated the bombs.
********
The Province of Benguet, in northern Luzon, where this
writer lives in Baguio City, was the area in Tublay where in May
2002, four boxes of square and cylindrical WWII vintage explosives were dug up by farmers and construction workers. The
bombs measured 5x5x2.5 cm, and had a yellowish green color.
The cylinders measured 10 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter. The explosives were of the rapidly detonating variety.
There were 320 pieces of the square explosives, and a number
of other cylindrical bombs.
The area was used by the retreating Japanese soldiers in
their garrison during WWII. Also found in the area last year was
a 250 kg missile that may have been dropped by war planes.
********
At the runway of the Manila Domestic Airport, a WWII vin-
tage shell was uncovered on 4-17-03 at the drainage system,
about five feet below ground level. The Japanese bomb measured 3’7” long and 32” in diameter. Luckily, no pressure was
exerted on the bomb, thus avoiding an explosion.
********
At the Philippine Court of Appeals Building, Ermita, a
WWII artillery shell, was unearthed by construction workers on
4-15-03. When accidentally nudged by the hoe,, the shell emitted a thick white smoke. The hoe operator doused the shell
with water.
The Western Police District removed the contact fuse from
the shell and hauled the explosive away.
********
Tarlac City where Capas POW Camp O’Donnell is located, was the scene where WWII vintage explosives were found
recently.
The MacArthur Highway today runs north-south through
Tarlac. This is where a pipeline was being dug when a 107 mm
Howitzer bomb was found. Bomb disposal experts from the
Philippine Army said the bomb was still explosive and deadly.
********
Yet another WWII bomb was found on 5-14-03 at the
same previous location at the Court of Appeals Compound in
Ermita. The potentially dangerous unexploded bomb was a
555 mm. The Western Police District carried off the bomb.
————————
American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Inc.
(including any unit of force of the Asiatic Fleet,
Philippine Archipelago, Wake Island, Mariana Islands,
Midway Islands and Dutch East Indies. 12/7/41-5/10/42.
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Perpetual Honor Roll of
New Mexico’s Prisoners of
War and Missing in Action
“They Served. We Honor!”
This perpetual Honor Roll is dedicated to New
Mexico’s loved ones who suffered as POW’s and
MIA’s beginning with W.W. I., “the war to end all
wars.”
The design concept of the New Mexico Veterans
Memorial is inclusive, neutral as to both gender and
ethnicity, timeless, not dwelling on a specific period or
campaign and speaks to all veterans experiences.
This Honor Roll is also inclusive. Listed are both military and civilian prisoners of war and missing in action.
Most claim New Mexico as their home of record, but
many came to call New Mexico home. All have
endured the numbing terror and uncertainty of their
perilous status, which forever changed and shaped
their lives and the lives of those who loved them.
Following the name of each honoree is one of
five symbols. The symbols signify a defining aspect
of that individual’s status as either:
Missing in Action — Remains having been
Returned — Died in Captivity — Repatriated POW
— or having served with New Mexico’s 200th &
515th Coast Artillery Regiments.
Per capita, more New Mexicans served in WWII
than any other state. New Mexicans also suffered
the nation’s highest per capita casualty rate in WWII.
And many of New Mexico’s National Guardsmen
were among WWII’s earliest POWs. Per capita, New
Mexico has the highest number of Congressional
Medal of Honor recipients.
LEST WE FORGET
JULY, 2003 — 23
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How Do You Say Goodbye?
PNC Ralph Levenberg
Receives Prestigious VA Award
On April 28, 2003, before the entire membership of the
Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners, and invited guests,
Secretary Anthony Principi presented PNC Ralph Levenberg
the SECRETARY’S AWARD. This was on the occasion of
Levenberg’s final meeting with the Advisory Committee.
Levenberg was the Executive Secretary for the Advisory
Committee for a period of 18 years. The award cited
Levenberg for his untiring efforts and many years’ of outstanding work toward beneficial actions for former POWs.
24 — THE QUAN
How can you say goodbye to a buddy you have
known for the last 62 years? Joe Poster was a friend, a
buddy, a good soldier, a gentleman, a person you could
rely on, a person you wanted to be around.
Joe wasn’t much for publicity, but he knew how to
get things done and do them properly. He was permanent secretary of our Investment Fund and provided the
ADBC a return on its investments. Through all these bad
years, he served as chairman of the Nomination
Committee.
He also arranged the tri-state chapter meetings in
Lancaster, PA. Joe passed away with his family present.
He just slipped away, the way all of us hope to go. So
long buddy.
Joe Vater