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Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Earl
Irey
POW (WWII)

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James Irey 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:

    Printer Second Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – February 5, 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Printer Second Class James Earl Irey (NSN: 3419101), 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 after the end of hostilities in August 1945.