Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major James Patrick Sinnott Devereux (MCSN: 0-3965), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished and heroic conduct in the line of his profession, as Commanding Officer of the FIRST Marine Defense Battalion, Naval Air Station, Wake Island. Major Devereux was responsible for directing defenses of that post during the Japanese siege from 7 through 22 December 1941, against impossible odds. Major Devereux’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (China)

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1941 – September 1945

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

    Major James Patrick Sinnott Devereux (MCSN: 0-3965), United States Marine Corps, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Wake Island on 23 December 1941, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of the war.