Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Kenneth
James
O’Brien
POW (WWII) MIA
January 11, 1895

–

December 15, 1944

Born:

Starr Valley

, 

Nevada

Home:

Sacramento

, 

California

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

Kenneth O’Brien was taken as a Prisoner of War after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942. He died as a POW during the sinking of the “Hell Ship” Oryoku Maru on December 15, 1944.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Bataan Defense Force

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 236 (October 8, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) Kenneth J. O’Brien (ASN: 0-112538), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, Bataan Defense Force, in action against enemy forces on 7 April 1942, in the Philippine Islands. Major O’Brien’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Bataan Defense Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.