Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
James
Dunmyer
POW (WWII) KIA
1912-02-14

–

1944-12-15

Born:

Johnstown

, 

Pennsylvania

Home:

Johnstown

, 

Pennsylvania

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

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

William Dunmyer graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1937. As a U.S. Army Major he was killed as a Prisoner of War during the sinking of the Japanese “Hell Ship” Oryoku Maru, in December 1944. The Silver Star was posthumously presented to his 5-year-old-son in 1945.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Major (Infantry) William James Dunmyer (ASN: 0-20675), 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 15 December 1944.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    45th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts)

    Action Date:

    1942
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major (Infantry) William James Dunmyer (ASN: 0-20675), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against the enemy during the defense of Bataan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Dunmyer, 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.