Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Dorman Vernon Albertazzi (NSN: 3756108), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the line of his profession while serving as a Prisoner of the Japanese in the Prison Hospital at Zentsuji, Island of Shikku, Japan, from 16 January 1942 until 23 June 1945. Throughout the entire period of 41 months Chief Albertazzi labored incessantly in the care of sick and disabled Prisoners of War, nursing many back to health who otherwise would have succumbed to the ravages of dysentery, malaria, beri beri, dehydration and exposure. In the absence of adequate equipment, the scarcity of medications of every sort, the utter lack of proper sanitary facilities, and despite the ever present gnawing pangs of hunger, his tireless application to pressing tasks, his superior leadership and his expert nursing ability were powerful factors for the building of health and morale among his fellow prisoners. His conduct throughout the entire period serves was an inspiration to all his comrades and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Japan)

    Action Date:

    December 9, 1941 – August 1945

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

    Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Dorman Vernon Albertazzi (NSN: 3756108), United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese during the fall of Guam on 9 December 1941, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in August 1945.