Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Otis
Ray
Bills
POW (WWII)

Home:

, 

California

Otis Bills was a member of the crew of the submarine tender U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), serving in the Philippine Islands. After the ship was severely damaged on December 29, 1941, and subsequently scuttled to prevent the vessel from falling into enemy hands, he and his surviving comrades joined the ground forces in defense of Bataan and Corregidor. He was subsequently captured and interned as a Prisoner of War.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Radioman

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    April 9, 1942 – January 30, 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Chief Radioman Otis Ray Bills (NSN: 3811003), United States Navy, a former crewman of the U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), was captured by the Japanese during the defense of Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 9 April 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his recovery during the raid on Cabanatuan on 30 January 1945.