Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Olaf
William
Hagemo
POW (WWII) KIA

Home:

Huron

, 

South Dakota

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – February 2, 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Sergeant Olaf William Hagemo (MCSN: 279809), United States Marine 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 his death while still in captivity on or about 2 February 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marine Regiment

    Action Date:

    April 13, 1942
    War Department, General Orders No. 76 (1947)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Sergeant Olaf William Hagemo (MCSN: 279809), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while a member of Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, on 13 April 1942 following a heavy Japanese artillery barrage upon Battery James, Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands. When personnel of the battery were trapped as they sought shelter in nearby tunnels, he readily volunteered, although the position was under close enemy observation and steady fire, to rescue his comrades. Disregarding the imminent danger of collapsing walls and roofs, Sergeant Hagemo heroically entered the tunnels, assisted in extricating soldiers and gave first aid to the wounded.