Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
James
Latimer
Jr.
POW (WWII) KIA
1908-01-21

–

1945-01-23

Born:

Washington

, 

D.C.

Home:

Anacostia

, 

Virginia

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

William Latimer graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1929. Captured by the Japanese after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, died aboard a Japanese “Hell Ship” while being transported to Japan in January 1945.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Division:

    Visayan Forces

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 205 (1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 (Field Artillery) William James Latimer, Jr. (ASN: 0-17590), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, Visayan Forces, in the Philippine Islands, during the defense of Bataan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Latimer, 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Major (Field Artillery) William James Latimer, Jr. (ASN: 0-17590), United States Army, was captured during fighting in the Philippine Islands during World War II and was held by the Japanese as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity on or about 23 January 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Division:

    Visayan Forces

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Field Artillery) William James Latimer, Jr. (ASN: 0-17590), 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 while serving with Headquarters, Visayan Forces, in the Philippine Islands during World War II.