World War II Honoree

Henry J. Wilayto

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Boston, Massachusetts

Honored By

Charlie Walsh

Relationship

Friend

FOUGHT WITH DEFENDERS OF BATAAN IN THE PHILIPPINE CAMPAIGN. CAPTURED AND INTERNED FOR DURATION OF WAR BY THE JAPANESE AFTER SURRENDER OF BATAAN. WOUNDED TWICE IN COMBAT. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL WITH BRONZE THEATER RIBBON WITH 2 BRONZE SERVICE STARS AND PHILIPPINE DEFENSE RIBBON. SERVED AS COMPANY CLERK, INFANTRYMAN. VOLUNTEERED FOR BURIAL DETAIL WHILE IN CAPTIVITY. BURIED SOME 1500 PRISONERS OF WAR WHILE IN CAPTIVITY.