Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Meade
H.
Willis
, Jr.
POW (WWII)
December 13, 1909

–

1999

Lieutenant (j.g.) Willis was captured during the defense of Corregidor and held as a Prisoner of War for three and a half years before his release.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    December 7 1941 – April 28, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Meade H. Willis, Jr. (NSN: 0-113588), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession, in combat with the enemy in the Philippine Islands during the period of 7 December 1941 to 28 April 1942. While exposed to frequent horizontal and dive bombing attacks by enemy Japanese air forces, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Willis participated in operations of strategic importance involving hazardous missions such as to reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade Meade H. Willis, Jr. (NSN: 0-113588), United States Naval Reserve, 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 operations to liberate the Philippines in 1945.