World War II Honoree

Felix James McCool

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Pawhuska, Oklahoma

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Served with the 4th Marine Division, he and his unit were assigned to the Philippine Islands when the war began. After the Japanese invasion of Corregidor, he was captured in April 1942 and endured the Bataan Death March. While a prisoner of war, he worked in various jobs that enabled him to smuggle supplies into the Prisoner of War camp. Later, on the Japanese island of Fuchu, he was forced to work in the coal mines where he continued his saboteur activities. He received the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Distinguished Unit Citation, and Prisoner of War Service Medal.