Navy Federal Credit Union

Rudyard Grimes graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1939. After the fall of the Philippine Islands he survived the infamous Bataan Death March, but died of Myocarditis while interred at the Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp. His father was Editor of the Abilene (TX) “Reporter-News.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    57th Infantry Regiment (PS)

    Division:

    Philippine Division

    Action Date:

    January 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 516 (1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Rudyard Kipling Grimes (ASN: 0-22031), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 57th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces in January 1942. During the heat of the battle Captain Grimes voluntarily organized about 50 stragglers and members of the 41st Division, Philippine Scouts, and led them in an attack against the enemy position, across rice paddies swept by rifle, machinegun and mortar fire. Captain Grimes placed himself at the head of the group and in a short time the enemy had been routed in the sector and the battalion main line of resistance, which had been penetrated by the enemy, had been restored. Captain Grimes’ 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Captain (Infantry) Rudyard Kipling Grimes (ASN: 0-22031), 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 16 October 1942.