Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Blake
Lothrop
POW (WWII) KIA
1907-01-14

–

1944-10-15

Born:

Fort Baker

, 

California

Home:

Carlisle

, 

Pennsylvania

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

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

Robert Lothrop graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1930. Captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942, in October 1945 he was being transported to Japan on the “Hell Ship” Arisan Maru, which was struck by an American submarine. A former West Point gymnast, he requested permission to go to the latrine and wiggled out through a porthole. He was shot and killed by a Japanese guard as he swam away from the sinking ship.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Harbor Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays

    Action Date:

    World War II
    American Battle Monuments Commission

    (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 Major (Corps of Engineers) Robert Blake Lothrop (ASN: 0-18033), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Harbor Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays, as Assistant Engineer for Fortifications, Corregidor, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, in action against the enemy in 1942. Major Lothrop distinguished himself by courageous defense of vital utilities in the face of heavy enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Lothrop, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Manila Bay

    Action Date:

    World War II
    American Battle Monuments Commission

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Corps of Engineers) Robert Blake Lothrop (ASN: 0-18033), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Engineer for Fortifications, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, in 1942. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Lothrop and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Major (Corps of Engineers) Robert Blake Lothrop (ASN: 0-18033), United States Army, was captured by the Japanese after the fall the Philippine Islands in 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity on or about 15 October 1944, while trying to escape from a Prison Ship.