Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
Ganahl
POW (WWII) KIA
April 19, 1903

–

February 11, 1945

Born:

Louisville

, 

Kentucky

Home:

Springfield

, 

Massachusetts

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Joseph Ganahl graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1927. As a Prisoner of War in the Philippine Islands, he survived two POW ship sinking’s, only to succumb in captivity in Japan on or about February 11, 1945.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    1st Provisional Artillery Battalion (SP)

    Regiment:

    24th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    Philippine Scouts

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Volume 4: FED11, General Orders No. 4 (1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Joseph Ganahl (ASN: 0-16854), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Provisional Artillery Battalion (Self-Propelled), 24th Field Artillery Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against the enemy in the defense of Bataan, Philippine Islands, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Ganahl, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    1st Provisional Battalion

    Regiment:

    3d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    Philippine Scouts

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Joseph Ganahl (ASN: 0-16854), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the 1st Provisional Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, during World war II.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 1942 – Died in Captivity

    Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Joseph Ganahl (ASN: 0-16854), 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 while still in captivity.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    23d Field Artillery Regiment (PS)

    Division:

    Philippine Division

    Action Date:

    January 4, 1942
    Allied Force Headquarters in the Philippines, General Orders No. 16 (1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Field Artillery) Joseph Ganahl (ASN: 0-16854), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 24th Field Artillery Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces at Gaugua, Lubao, Pampanga, Philippine Islands, on 4 January 1942. Major Ganahl’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.