| Birth: | Aug. 23, 1883 | | Death: | Sep. 2, 1953 | 
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, United States Army General. Hero of Bataan, highest ranking American captive in World War II - Left behind on Corregidor in command of US Army Forces in the Philippines in 1942, his forces held out for almost five months. Finally with dwindling supplies, little food, no air force or navy, and outdated weapons from World War I, General Wainwright was forced to surrender. He was then held in prison camps in northern Luzon, Formosa, and Manchuria enduring scanty rations and beatings as a POW. Finally rescue came when Russian troops liberated the Manchurian POW camp in 1945. A haggard, frail and sick man returned home to a hero's welcome. He was quickly given a fourth star and President Truman presented the Congressional Medal of Honor. The general was present and witnessed the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri then was returned to the Philippines to receive the surrender of the local Japanese commander. General Wainwright continued his service in the army and was given command of the 4th Army, Fort Sam Houston but his declining health forced him to retire from active duty in 1947. He died at San Antonio Texas. His remains were taken to Arlington Cemetery and a funeral was held in the lower level of the Memorial Amphitheater. Burial followed next to his father who was a career Cavalry officer who died during service in the Philippines. Upon the death of his wife Adele in 1979, she was interred beside her husband. (bio by: Donald Greyfield)
Search Amazon for Jonathan Wainwright | | | Burial:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington
Arlington County
Virginia, USA
Plot: Section 1, Lot 358-B |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Jan 01, 2001
Find A Grave Memorial# 1067 |
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