Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Thomas
James Edgar
Crotty
POW (WWII) KIA
1912

–

July 19, 1942

Home:

Buffalo

, 

New York

Thomas Crotty graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Class of 1934. When he was taken prisoner by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, he became the first member of the U.S. Coast Guard to become a POW since the War of 1812, and was the only Coast Guard POW in World War II or since.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – Died in Captivity

    Lieutenant Thomas James Edgar Crotty, United States Coast Guard, 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 death in the Cabanatuan Prison camp on 19 July 1942.