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The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to General Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, IV (ASN: 0-2131), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty from March 12 – 7 May 1942, while serving with U.S. Army Forces in the Philippine Islands. General Wainwright distinguished himself by intrepid and determined leadership against greatly superior enemy forces. At the repeated risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in his position, he frequented the firing line of his troops where his presence provided the example and incentive that helped make the gallant efforts of these men possible. The final stand on beleaguered Corregidor, for which he was in an important measure personally responsible, commanded the admiration of the Nation’s allies. It reflected the high morale of American arms in the face of overwhelming odds. His courage and resolution were a vitally needed inspiration to the then sorely pressed freedom-loving peoples of the world.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands and Manchuria)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – August 1945

    Lieutenant General Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, IV (ASN: 0-2131), United States Army, 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 returned to U.S. Military control during at the end of hostilities in August 1945.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 19 (1922)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, IV (ASN: 0-2131), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Assistant Chief of Staff, 82d Division, First Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 3d Army, and later as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, American Expeditionary Forces in Germany, by his untiring energy, devotion to duty, and exercise of initiative Lieutenant Colonel Wainwright contributed in a large measure to the success attained by the commands with which he served.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General
    War Department, General Orders No. 63 (1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, IV (ASN: 0-2131), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in the Philippine Islands in 1942.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Regiment:

    Northern Luzon Force

    Division:

    U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE)

    Action Date:

    December 21, 1941 – January 5, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 17 (January 29, 1942)

    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 General Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, IV (ASN: 0-2131), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General, Northern Luzon Force, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action against enemy forces on Bataan, Philippine Islands, from 21 December 1941 through 5 January 1942. General Wainwright commanded the northern front and General Albert M. Jones commanded the southern sector. Opposed by forces which were greatly superior in numbers, the troops under General Wainwright and General Jones fought delaying actions, slowly falling back and finally uniting their forces in Pampanga Province. By particularly skillful tactics they were able to escape being caught in a large-scale pincers movement executed by the Japanese. Subsequently, the combined forces withdrew to Bataan Province where the troops of both officers have been in practically continuous action. Major General Wainwright’s intrepid leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.