Navy Federal Credit Union

James Seater was an American Civilian working in the Philippine Islands at the time of the Japanese attack on December 8, 1941. He was subsequently commissioned in an Engineer Regiment of the Philippine Scouts, serving until he was captured, and died while in captivity. His wife Marion and two daughters Diane Claire (Age 5), and Daphne (Age 3) were interned by the Japanese at the internment camp at Santo Tomas for 19 months.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    14th Engineer Regiment (PS)

    Division:

    Philippine Division

    Action Date:

    April 24 – 25, 1942

    Allied Force Headquarters in the Philippines, General Orders No. 35 (April 29, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) James E. Seater (ASN: 0-890451), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 14th Engineer Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of the North Channel, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, on the night of 24 – 25 April 1942. Having volunteered to lead a vitally important and extremely hazardous reconnaissance mission for the purpose of securing information of enemy dispositions and strength urgently needed by the Commanding General, United States Forces in the Philippines, Lieutenant Seater and his volunteer crew set out in total darkness on board a small armed motor launch. Encountering a large enemy patrol boat which immediately opened fire, this valiant officer exchanged shots which set the hostile vessel afire, after which he engaged another smaller hostile patrol ship and four small armed vessels of approximately sixty feet, which had been attracted by the flames and shelling, with the result that the largest boat was probably sunk and severe damage inflicted on the other units of the hostile patrol. Although his craft was damaged by enemy fire, and certain members of the crew wounded, Lieutenant Seater succeeded in safely returning the craft to his base. First Lieutenant Seater’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    14th Engineer Regiment (PS)

    Division:

    Philippine Scouts

    Action Date:

    April 24 – 25, 1942

    Authority: A.B.M.C.

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) James E. Seater (ASN: 0-890451), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 14th Engineer Regiment (PS), Philippine Scouts, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands during World War II. First Lieutenant Seater’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.