World War II Honoree

Kenneth H. White

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Detroit, Michigan

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private First Class. Inducted into the United States Army August 10, 1940 at Detroit, Michigan. Upon his graduation from boot camp, he was designated to attend the Flight Aviation Training Program. Following the completion of his aircraft schooling, deployed to the Philippine Islands, Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. Served as a member of the U.S. Far East Fifth Air Force, and stationed at the Iba Airfield, Luzon Island. Assigned to the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group a Branch of the V-Interceptor Command. His unit participated in the Battle of the Philippines, the conquest of the Philippines by the Imperial Japanese Army and Naval Forces (Battle Dates: December 8, 1941-May 6, 1942). Captured on 9 April in the Battle of Bataan, while retreating to the Bataan Peninsula. As a prisoner, his captors subjected him to participate in the Bataan Death March, incarcerated at the Prisoner of War Camp #4 O’Donnell. He died of unknown causes May 14, 1942, with burial in the Prisoner Cemetery. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, personnel from an American Graves Registration Company disinterred his remains from the camp cemetery, and were laid to rest in the Manila American Cemetery at Fort William-McKinley, Philippine Islands. The family of this Airman received his remains for burial, with interment at the Webberville Cemetery in Webberville, Michigan. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.