Jack Hawkins graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. During World War II he was one of ten men including two Naval Officers, three Air Corps Officers, and two Marine Corps Officers who escaped after nearly a year in captivity after the fall of Bataan and Corregidor. The ten men evaded their captors for days until connecting with Filipino Guerillas under Wendell Fertig. The officers remained with the guerillas for weeks, obtaining vital information which they carried with them when they were subsequently evacuated by American submarines. Their escape was the only mass escape from a Japanese prison camp during the war. He subsequently served in the Korean War, earning a Silver Star, and retired as a Colonel of Marines.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorDivision:
Philippine Guerrilla ForcesAction Date:
April 4 – November 15, 1943
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 78 (December 6,1943)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 Jack Hawkins (MCSN: 0-5931), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while serving with the Philippine Guerilla Forces in the Philippine Islands during the period 15 January 1943 to 13 November 1943. Although physically weakened by eleven months detention in a Japanese camp for American prisoners-of-war, Major Hawkins outwitted the Japanese guards on 4 April 1943, made his escape, eluded pursuing patrols and made his way from Davao to northern Mindanao. Hearing of an American force still operating against the enemy, he continued on foot and by launch to its headquarters, with information of great military value on the defense of Corregidor and the treatment of our prisoners-of-war in Japanese hands. He volunteered his services to the commander of this force and served for nearly six months in responsible staff duties. During this period, Major Hawkins, by his able and courageous direction of intelligence work, not only aided in successful operations but also gathered and supplied General Headquarters in Australia valuable information of the enemy situation throughout the Philippine Islands. His outstanding heroism and skill reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
September 16 – 29, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Jack Hawkins (MCSN: 0-5931), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in Korea, during the period 16 to 29 September 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins, serving as Battalion Commander, fearlessly and courageously exposed himself to intense enemy fire while personally directing the offensive operations of his unit. He repeatedly occupied observation posts that were exposed to enemy small arms and machine gun fire without regard for his own personal safety and maintained the tactical control of his unit in the assault. His courageous conduct in steadfastly facing enemy fire was an inspiration to all members of his unit and materially aided in the successful completion of the assigned missions. Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins’ display of initiative and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)Action Date:
May 6, 1942 – April 4, 1943
World War II Prisoners of the Japanese Data Files, created, 4/2005 – 10/2007, documenting the period ca. 1941 – ca. 1945Major Jack Hawkins (MCSN: 0-5931), United States Marine Corps, 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 he successfully escaped from captivity on 4 April 1943.