Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – February 5, 1945

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

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade Earl Raymond Brewster (NSN: 0-87460), United States Navy, 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 his recovery by U.S. Forces which liberated the Bilibid Prison Camp on 5 February 1945.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade (ChC)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – February 5, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (ChC) Earl Raymond Brewster (NSN: 0-87460), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while interned at the Prisoner of War Camp, Davao Penal Colony, Philippine Islands Area. Although in such a weakened condition from malnutrition and beri-beri that he was not expected to live when he arrived at the Davao Penal Colony from Cabanatuan, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brewster held on with courage and determination and after six months was back in the working detail. Required by Japanese officers to do all the compulsory work details even though he was a Chaplain, he also carried out religious services and after his regular working day performed numerous acts of kindness to his fellow prisoners, including nightly reading aloud to those Americans whose eyesight had become impaired by his repeated acts of thoughtfulness under the most adverse circumstances, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brewster contributed materially to the welfare of the prisoners and his unselfish spirit and tireless efforts on behalf of others were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.