Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Haggerty graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1930. Captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, he died while being transported on the Japanese “Hell Ship” Oryoku Maru, when it was bombed by American pilots who did not know that the ship contained American Prisoners of War.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Major (Coast Artillery Corps) Robert Foster Haggerty (0-18085), 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 15 December 1944.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Regiment:

    91st Coast Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    Philippine Scouts

    Action Date:

    April 13, 1942

    War Department, General Orders No. 28 (1947)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Coast Artillery Corps) Robert Foster Haggerty (ASN: 0-18085), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 91st Coast Artillery Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against the enemy following a heavy Japanese artillery barrage upon Battery James, Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 13 April 1942. When personnel of the battery were trapped as they sought shelter in nearby tunnels, Major Haggerty readily volunteered, although the position was under close enemy observation and steady fire, to rescue his comrades. Disregarding the imminent danger of collapsing walls and roofs, Major Haggerty heroically entered the tunnels, and assisted in extricating soldiers, and gave first aid to the wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Haggerty, 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.