Navy Federal Credit Union

Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Irvin Alexander (ASN: 0-12414), 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 returned to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in 1945.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Quartermaster Corps)

    Regiment:

    1st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Constabulary)

    Division:

    1st Division, Philippine Army

    Action Date:

    January 24, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 16 (January 28, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Irvin Alexander (ASN: 0-12414), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Quartermaster Corps, 1st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Constabulary, 1st Division, Philippine Army, in action against enemy forces near Agloloma Bay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 27 January 1942. During an attack to expel an enemy landing party near Agloloma Bay, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander, then on duty with the 1st Regiment (Philippine Constabulary), 1st Division, Philippine Army, learning that a company commander had been wounded and that the company was without an officer, went forward to assume command in person. On arrival, he found the unit disorganized and by setting a personal example of courage, pushed the company forward in the face of heavy fire to within thirty-five yards of the enemy positions. In spite of the concentration of the heaviest fire in his vicinity he continued to expose himself, encouraging and steadying his men, although severely wounded in the hand and struck in the chest, continuing to display courageous leadership until he collapsed from shock and fatigue. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander’s extraordinary heroism, 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, the Philippine Scouts, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Quartermaster Corps)

    Regiment:

    1st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Constabulary)

    Division:

    Philippine Scouts

    Action Date:

    December 8, 1941

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 145 (1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Irvin Alexander (ASN: 0-12414), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Quartermaster Corps, 1st Infantry Regiment (Philippine Constabulary), 1st Division, Philippine Army, in action against enemy forces in the Philippine Islands, on 8 December 1941. When the Japanese attacked, Irvin Alexander was serving as Quartermaster at Fort Stotsenberg. He remained on duty for several more days until Fort Stotsenberg had been evacuated, and then requested to return to Infantry duty. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander, 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.