World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Jose R. Gastelum
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
San Francisco, California
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
Rank: Private. Inducted into the United States Army January 23, 1941 at Fort McDowell Angel Island, California. Following his infantry training, he was deployed to the Philippine Islands, and based at Fort Mills Location: Corregidor Island AKA: the Rock. Served in Charlie Battery, a Branch of the 60th Coastal Artillery Anti-Aircraft Regiment, the Harbor Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays. His unit participated in the Battle of Corregidor against the Imperial Japanese forces (Battle Dates: May 5-6, 1942). Captured on the second day of the invasion, when his Commander General Wainwright capitulated to the enemy. As a prisoner, he was transferred to the Prisoner of War Camp #1 Cabanatuan, Luzon Island. On June 26, 1942 he died of unknown causes, with burial in the Prisoner Cemetery. Succeeding cessation of hostilities with Japan personnel from a Graves Registration Company disinterred his remains from the camp cemetery, and was laid to rest in the United States Armed Forces Cemetery Location: Manila #2 Manila, Philippine Islands. The family of this Soldier requested that he be buried with Military Honors at Manila American Cemetery Location: Fort Bonifacio, Manila. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.