Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Starr
Van Nostrand
POW (WWII) KIA
1910-07-28

–

1945

Born:

Merrill

, 

Wisconsin

Home:

Merrill

, 

Wisconsin

Buried: 

Merrill

, 

Wisconsin

Cemetery:

Merrill Memorial Park (Cenotaph)

William Van Nostrand graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1934. Captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, in 1944 he survived the sinking of the Japanese “Hell Ship” Oryoku Maru,” only to be re-captured and sent to Japan aboard the “Enoura Maru”, which was bombed in Formosa. He died of wounds received in that bombing.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Cavalry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Colonel (Cavalry) William Starr Van Nostrand (ASN: 0-19522), 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 9 January 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    81st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Army)

    Action Date:

    1942
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    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 Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) William Starr Van Nostrand (ASN: 0-19522), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 81st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Army), in action against the enemy in Davai Province, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, in 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Van Nostrand traversed dangerous jungle trails to personally inspect and visit the personnel of his command. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Van Nostrand, 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.