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Paul
Albert
Putnam
POW (WWII)
1903

–

1982

After the fall of Wake Island, Paul Putnam became a Prisoner of War of the Japanese.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Japan)

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1941 – September 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Major Paul Albert Putnam (MCSN: 0-4036), 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.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 211 (VMF-211)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22)

    Division:

    Naval Air Station, Wake Island

    Action Date:

    December 21, 1941
    Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 11583 (January 14, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel Paul Albert Putnam (MCSN: 0-4036), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commanding Officer and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-211), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Wake Island, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the defense of Wake Island on 21 December 1941. When the island was subjected to a relentless attack by carrier-based hostile aircraft, Major Putnam proceeded by truck to the airfield and, although severely strafed by enemy planes on the way and forced to abandon his truck on two separate occasions, succeeded in reaching his objective. Then, embarking in a friendly fighter plane, he executed an unsupported flight far out to sea in a desperate attempt to locate the Japanese carrier. By his initiative and courage throughout this hazardous action, Major Putnam upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.