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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Ensign Mary Frances Chapman (NSN: N-64886), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a nurse with the Canacao Hospital Unit during the bombing invasion of the Philippine Islands by Japanese forces for the period 7 December 1941 through 2 January 1942.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1942 – February 23, 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade Mary Frances Chapman (NSN: N-64886), United States Navy Nurse Corps, 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 she was liberated by U.S. and Filipino forces on 23 February 1945.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1942 – February 23, 1945
    Headquarters, U.S. Armed Forces Far East, General Orders No. 65 (March 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting Bronze Star (Army Award) to Ensign Mary Frances Chapman (NSN: N-64886), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement, while in the hands of the enemy from 6 January 1942 to 23 February 1945, in caring for the sick and wounded.