Navy Federal Credit Union

James Holmes graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1938. Captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, he was taken prisoner. He was being transported to Japan in the “Hell Ship” Arisan Maru when it was torpedoed and sank on October 24, 1944 and was one of 1,777 American POWs who perished in that sinking.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Regiment:

    60th Coast Artillery Regiment

    Action Date:

    1942

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (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 Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) James Russell Holmes (ASN: 0-21195), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment, in action against the enemy in the defense of Corregidor, in the Philippine Islands, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Holmes, 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:

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) James Russell Holmes (ASN: 0-21195), 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 24 October 1944.