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Navy Federal Credit Union
Lester
Aran
Bostian
POW (WWII)

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Lester Bostian was a member of the crew of the submarine tender U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), serving in the Philippine Islands. After the ship was severely damaged on December 29, 1941, and subsequently scuttled to prevent the vessel from falling into enemy hands, he and his surviving comrades joined the ground forces in defense of Bataan and Corregidor. He was subsequently captured and interned as a Prisoner of War.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Seaman Second Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Seaman Second Class Lester Aran Bostian (NSN: 3467587), United States Navy, a former crewman of the U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Third Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Canopus (AS-9)

    Action Date:

    February 8, 1942
    Approved by Secretary of the Navy on 1 July 1947

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Lester Aran Bostian (NSN: 3467587), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of the Crew of the U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), in action on Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 8 February 1942. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.