World War II Honoree

Jerry L. Coty

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Madison, South Dakota

Honored By

Michael J. Coty

Relationship

Son

ENLISTED NOVEMBER 5, 1940. STATIONED WITH 14TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON, 19TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP AT CLARK FIELD, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS AS A MECHANIC. THE UNIT WAS ORDERED INTO THE HILLS AWAY FROM ADVANCING JAPANESE FORCES. WHEN EVACUATION PROVED IMPOSSIBLE AND FIGHTING HAD BECOME HOPELESS, WAS ORDERED TO SURRENDER BY SUPERIORS. WAS TAKEN PRISONER BY JAPANESE ON MAY 27, 1942. WHILE AT SEVERAL TEMPORARY CAMPS, BECAME A PRISONER OF WAR AT DAVAO PRISON CAMP #2 IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. WHEN AMERICAN FORCES MOVED ON THE OFFENSIVE IN THE PACIFIC, THEY WERE TRANSFERRED DURING THE SUMMER OF 1944 ON ONE OF THE 'HELL SHIPS' TO NAGOYA PRISON CAMP #5 IN JAPAN. LIBERATED BY AMERICAN FORCES ON SEPTEMBER 4, 1945 AND HONORABLY DISCHARGED MARCH 28, 1946.