Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Allen
Thayer
POW (WWII) KIA
1905-06-07

–

1945-01-18

Born:

Willimantic

, 

Connecticut

Home:

Putnam

, 

Connecticut

Buried: 

Columbus

, 

Georgia

Cemetery:

Riverside Cemetery (Cenotaph)

Allen Thayer graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1928. Captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, he endured two years of captivity, and in 1944 the sinking of two Japanese “Hell Ships” on which he was being transported to Japan, before he died of exposure at sea on yet another “Hell Ship” on January 18, 1945.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    62d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    61st Philippine Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 7 & 8, 1942
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Allen Thayer (ASN: 0-17297), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 62d Infantry Regiment, 61st Philippine Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Dalirig, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, during May 7 and 8, 1942. During periods of heavy shelling f the 62d Infantry Regiment by the Japanese, Colonel Thayer made a number of personal visits to his front line units, thereby inspiring confidence in the unseasoned troops of his command. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Thayer, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Allen Thayer (ASN: 0-17297), United States Army, was captured during fighting in the Philippine Islands in 1942, and was held by the Japanese as a Prisoner of War until his death while in captivity, on or about 22 January 1945.