Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
George
Kappes
POW (WWII) KIA
1914-07-19

–

1944-10-24

Born:

, 

Pennsylvania

Home:

Zanesville

, 

Ohio

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

George Kappes graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1938. Captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, he died at sea while being transported to Japan on a “Hell Ship” when it was sank by a United States submarine that did not know the ship contained American Prisoners of War.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Regiment:

    92d Coast Artillery Regiment (Philippine Scouts)

    Action Date:

    May 5 – 6, 1942
    War Department, General Orders No. 69 (July 15, 1946)

    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 Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) George Kappes (ASN: 0-21124), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 92d Coast Artillery Regiment (Philippine Scouts), in action against the enemy in the defense of the Philippine Islands in 1942. Captain Kappes displayed outstanding gallantry and leadership in leading his battery in an infantry-night action against attacking Japanese troops on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 5 – 6 May 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Kappes, 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:

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) George Kappes (ASN: 0-21124), United States Army, was captured by the Japanese after the fall the Philippine Islands in 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity on or about 24 October 1944.