Joseph A. Adriaensen

Service # 201983

Entered Service From: Illinois

Rank: First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Unit: Company "I", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines

Date of Death: 24 June 1942, from dysentery  and pneumonia in the Japanese POW Camp 3, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija Province, Luzon, Philippines 15-121.

Buried: Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Rock Island County, Illinois – Section E, Grave 397

Awards:

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal – 1931

Nicaraguan Presidential Medal of Merit – 1933

Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal – 1933

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal – 1934

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal – 1937

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal – 1938

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal – 1940

China Service Medal – 1941

American Defense Service Medal – 1941

Purple Heart – 1942

Combat Action Ribbon – 1942

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal – 1942

Philippine Defense Medal – 1942

Army Presidential Unit Citation – 1942

Prisoner of War Medal – 1942

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Joseph Aloysius Adriaensen was born on October 25, 1903 in Antwerpen, Belgium the son of Cornelius Aloysius Adriaensen (1886 – 1944) and Caroline Van Buren Adriaensen (1878 – 1909). 

Much of the family details are from Ian Johnston.

Records show Cornelius Adriaensen arriving in the US (alone) in September 1904, leaving his family, wife Caroline, sons Marcel (1900), Lucian (1901), and Joseph (1903) behind in Antwerp.

After 4 years working in the United States, Cornelius Adriaensen arranged for his family to join him to start a new life in Chicago.

On 09 July 1909, new baby Constance died. Just over a week later on 18 July, 1909, his mother, Caroline passed away leaving Cornelius and his sons devastated. Caroline and the boys had only been in Chicago 11 months.

1910 United States Federal Census (22 April 1920): St. Vincent's Infant Asylum, Chicago (Ward 21), Cook County, Illinois (sheet 16B, line 71, La Salle Ave) – Joseph Adriaensen (7). Joseph is a Ward of the State, residing at the St. Vincent's Infant Asylum and Maternity Hospital in Chicago, while brothers Marcel (10) and Lucian (9) live at St. Mary's Training School, Des Plains, Wheeling, Illinois.

On 22 May, 1919 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, Cornelius Adriaensen, a widower, was granted U.S. citizenship along with his youngest son Joseph, who qualified on his fathers application as he was under 16 years of age.

At the age of 22, Joseph A. Adriaensen enlisted as a Private (S/N 201983) in the United States Marine Corps on 23 October 1925 at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was accepted into the United States Marine Corps for a 4-year term, 2 days shy of his 22nd birthday.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 23 October 1925 to 02 January 1926

Battalion "B", Marine Barracks, Training Station, Parris Island, South Carolina

Private Joseph A. Adriaensen. He joined Battalion "B" by enlisting on 23 October 1925 at this Post. On 02 January 1926 he was transferred to the Rife Range Detachment, Post.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 02 January 1926 to 25 February 1927

Rife Range Detachment, Recruit Depot, Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina

Private/Corporal Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 02 January 1926 he joined the Rife Range Detachment by transfer from Battalion "B" Training Station, Post. On 13 May 1926 he "qualified as ER Army Course." He represented the Parris Island Barracks rifle and pistol team in the 1926 and 1927 annual Marine Corp competition. On 18 February 1927 he was promoted from Private to Corporal. On 25 February 1927 he was assigned to Nicaragua.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: March 1927 to 22 December 1927

Eighth Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Regiment, Second Brigade, U. S. Marine Corps, Matagalpa, Nicaragua

Corporal Joseph A. Adriaensen. In May 1927 he was with 8th Company with "U.S. Naval Forces ashore in western Nicaragua, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. From 04-21 June he was detached to duty with the mounted patrol. From 28-30 June he was detached to duty at San Rafael, Nicaragua. From 01 July thru 21 September 1927 he was on duty with first platoon, Jinotega Detachment, Jinotega, Nicaragua. From 18-31 October 1927 he was on expedition to Quilali, Nicaragua. 01 November 1927 he participated in a battle of defense against Bandit Forces in the sector of Jicaro, Nicaragua. 01 November to 21 December 1927 he was on duty at the Department of Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua. He was transferred to 16th Company on 22 December 1927.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 22 December 1927 to 01 June 1928

Sixteenth Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, Esteli/Jinotega, Nicaragua

Corporal Joseph A. Adriaensen. He joine 16th Company from 8th Company on 22 December 1927. He was assigned to duty at Somoto, Nicaragua the month of January 1928. CPL Adriaensen was transferred to 23rd Company on 01 June 1928 but still assigned to duty at Somoto.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 01 June 1928 to 13 February 1929

Twenty-Third Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, Managua/Leon, Nicaragua

Corporal/Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He was transferred to 23rd Company from 16th Company on 01 June 1928. He was directly assigned to Somoto, Nicaragua from to 01 June -14 July 1928. On 01 October 1928 he was promoted to Sergeant. In January 1929 they moved to Leon, Nicaragua. 21 January to 12 February 1929; In charge of Marine Detachment, Nagarote, Nicaragua. He was transferred to 49th Company on 13 February 1929.

Jospeh saw action in Nicaragua against the Sandinista Guerrillas between 1927 – 1929.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 13 February 1929 to 30 April 1929

49th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, Managua, Nicaragua

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 30 April 1929 he was transferred to MB, NYd, Norflok, Virginia. On 01 May 1929 he sailed from Corinto, Nicaragua via U.S.S. BRIDGE. They arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia on 11 May 1929.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 11 May 1929 to 13 May 1929

Barracks Detachment, Marine Barracks, Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He joined 49th Company, Nicaragua on 11 May 1929. On 13 May 1929 he was transferred to Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 13 May 1929 to 11 February 1930

Barracks Detachment, First Regiment, Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 31 October 1929 he was discharged at the end of his term of service. Character: Excellent. He reenlisted on 01 November 1929 in rank at post for another 4 years. He was given a furlough from 11 November 1929 to 08 February 1930.Address: 2418 N. Washtenaw, Chicago, Illinois. On 11 February 1930, he was transferred to MB, Parris Island, South Carolina

1930 United States Federal Census (12 April 1930): Chicago (Ward 38), Cook County, Illinois (sheet 16A, family 311, 2631 Maplewood Ave) – Joseph Adriaensen (26 Belgium). He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 13 February 1930 to 10 June 1930

Headquarters Company, Recruit Depot, Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. Company Police Sergeant. On 13 February 1930 he joined Headquarters Company. He took up his post as Rifle Range coach at Parris Island Barracks and participated in the 1930 rifle and pistol competition with excellent results. On 09 June 1930 he successfully applied for transfer to the China posting with the 4th Marine Regiment. 

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 10 June 1930 to 14 June 1930

Marine Barracks, Naval Operating Base, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He joined from HCRD MB Parris Island, South Carolina. Sergeant Adriaensen had been assigned to the 4th Marines in Shanghai, China. He left Hampton Roads, Virginia on 14 June 1930 via the U.S.S.CHAUMONT. They arrived in Shanghai on 21 August 1930.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 21 August 1930 to 16 June 1932

Company "D" (28th), 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, M.C.E.F., Shanghai, China

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He joined Company "D" on 21 August 1930 from MB, NOB Hampton Roads, Virginia. He was sick in Regimental Hospital, shanghai, China from 21-28 August 1930. On 01 June 1931 he was MD, AL, Peiping, China, via U.S.S. HENDERSON. 02 June, sailed from Shanghai, China. He was a competitor Asiatic Division Competition. He was sick in the regimental hospital in Shanghai from 27-31 January 1932. On 16 June 1932 he was transferred to the Rifle Range Detachment in Peiping, China.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 16 June 1932 to September 1932

Rifle Range Detachment, Marine Detachment, American Legation, Peiping, China

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 16 June 1932 he joined the Rifle Range Detachment from Company "D" in Shanghai, China. In July he was a competitor in the Asiatic Division Competition. Those were rife and pistol individual and team shooting competitions. From 1-15 August 1932 he was Competitor Asiatic Division Competition; form 16-27 August he was a member of the Shanghai Rife and Pistol Team. From 28-31 August 1932 he was on camp patrol.

Japanese incursions into China from Manchuria posed a threat to major cities in China including Shanghai. Units of 4th Regiment deployed in defense of the International Settlement to protect lives and property.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: September 1932 to 01 October 1934

Company "D" (28th), 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, M.C.E.F., Shanghai, China

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 31 October 1933 he was discharged at the expiration of his enlistment term. Character: Excellent. He received a good conduct medal bar. He reenlisted the next day 01 November 1933 in the 4th Marine Corps Expeditionary Force, Shanghai, and was reappointed Sergeant. This was Joseph's third tour of duty. He and his wife, Irene, were living at 462 Seymour Rd., Shanghai, China. Joseph was given a furlough from 01-15 November 1933. He was given another furlough from 16-20 March 1934. From 26 thru 16 May April 1934 he was Acting Platoon Sergeant for How. Platoon. On 01 October 1934 he was transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, same Post.

U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Joseph Aloysius Adriaensen married Irene Virginia "Lydia" Gregory Passikides on 07 October, 1933 in Shanghai, China. She was the daughter of Kalin Gregory (also Grigorenko) (? – 1915 ) and Josephine Franzevna Sytar (1884 –1978). Her mother was born in Poland.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 01 October 1934 to 23 May 1935

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, 4th Marines, M.C.E.F., Shanghai, China

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He joined Headquarters and Headquarters Company on 01 October 1934 from Company "D", same Post. From 01 October thru 23 May 1935 he was NCO in charge of the .22 caliber rifle range. On 24 May 1935 he was sent to MDAL Peiping, China. He sailed from Woosung, China via the U.S.S. HENDERSON.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 27 May 1935 to 28 July 1935

Rife Range Detachment, Marine Detachment, American Legation, Peiping, China

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He arrived at Chinwangtao, China on 26 May 1935. He joined from Headquarters and Headquarters Company on 27 May 1935. Competitor, Asiatic Division Competitions 27-31 May 1935. He was a competitor thru 23 July 1935. From 24-27 July he was a member of the Shanghai Rifle and Pistol Team. On 28 July he was back to the 4th Marines in Shanghai.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 02 August 1935 to 26 April 1936

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He rejoined his unit on 02 August 1935. From 02 August thru 26 April 1936 he was the NCO in charge of the .22 Caliber Rifle Range. On 27 April 1936 he was transferred to MBNYd, Mare Island, California. He and his wife sailed on 28 April 1936 from Shanghai via the U.S.S. CHAUMONT.

The U.S.S. CHAUMONT arrived at Navy Yard, Mare Island, California on 02 June 1936

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 02 - 06 June 1936

Casual Company, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California

On 06 June 1936 he was transferred to FMF, MCB, San Diego, California, by S/Rs on furlough.

Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 06 June 1936 to 19 November 1937

Company ''D'', 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Fleet Marine Force, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California/ Shanghai, China

Sergeant/Platoon Sergeant/1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He was promoted to Platoon Sergeant on 06 July 1936. From 05-19 he was given special temporary duty in connection with 13th Battalion, FMCB San Diego, California. from 20-31 July he was Reconnaissance Sergeant. In August 1936 he was section Leader 3" TM and 37 MM. From 01 September to 28 February 1937 he was Platoon Sergeant for the 3rd Machine Gun Platoon. From 04 March - 16 April 1937 he was at the Marine Corps Rifle Range in La Jolla, California, trying out for the West Division Rifle and Pistol Matches. He was back as Platoon Sergeant for the 3rd Machine Gun Platoon from 1-13 May 1937. From 14-31 May 1937 he was in charge of the 3rd Machine Gun Platoon. From 09-27 June 1937 he was on special temporary duty at MB, PSNYd, Bremerton, Washington in connection with training of reserve Co. 9, sailed from San Diego, California via U.S.S. BROOKS. On 28 June he received ER requal bars for TY 1931-32-33-34-35-36-37. By July 1937 he was back as Platoon Sergeant. In August 1937 Company "D" was aboard the U.S.S. CHAUMONT heading back to Shanghai, China.

August, 1937 • Shanghai, China. Japanese bombing raids commence over Shanghai with defense of the International Settlement co-ordinated between the military of foreign garrisons. Fighting around Shanghai concluded 26 November, 1937. Uneasy peace ensued.

On 31 October 1937 he was honorably discharged at the end of his term of service. Character: Excellent. On 01 November 1937 he reenlisted for his 4th tour of duty and was reappointed Platoon Sergeant. On 03 November 1937 he was promoted to 1st Sergeant. On 19 November 1937 he was transferred to Company "C", same Post.

"US Marines served in China at various times and places from the days of the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. During the 1920's and 30's Marines were stationed at the American Embassy in Peking (Beijing). They were the Embassy Guard Detachment. In 1937 the Japanese invaded and conquered much of eastern China. While Japan controlled this area of China, various military units of other nations remained. The British, French, and Italians also kept forces in China." Source: North China Marines http://www.northchinamarines.com/

The 4th Marines were responsible for protecting the International Settlement in Shanghai. Their mission was to prevent fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces from spilling over into the International zone and protecting American interests. Source: U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls; A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970).

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 19 November 1937 to 31 December 1937

Company ''C'', 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Brigade, Shanghai, China

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. In February 1938, Company ''C'' is found aboard the U.S.S. CHAUMONT leaving Shanghai for Guam, M. I. and on to Honolulu, T. H. They sailed from Honolulu, T.H. aboard the U.S.A.T. ST. MIHIEL for San Francisco. They arrived in San Francisco on 22 March 1938. Joseph was heading for MB, MCB, San Diego, California, as a competitor for the Western Division Rifle and Pistol matches.

First Sergeant Joseph Adriaensen was able to re-join his wife, Irene, whom he had not seen since July 1936 at their new home at 1045 Beryl Street, Pacific Beach, San Diego, California.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 24 March 1938 to 02 May 1938

Second Engineer Company, Force Special Troops, FMF, MCB, San Diego, California

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. 24 March - 22 April 1938 he was given special temporary duty at the Rifle Range in connection with the Western Division Rifle and Pistol competition. On 20 April 1938, he received a Silver Medal in the Western Division Rifle competition. He was given a furlough from 26 April to 01 May 1938. On 02 May 1938 he was transferred by S/Rs to Company "C". He was then given a furlough.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 16 May 1938 to 16 November 1938

Company "B", 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Brigade, FMF, MCB, San Diego, California

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. He was 1st Sergeant of the Company. From 14-19 June 1938 he was on special temporary duty at San Luis Obispo, California in connection with rifle matches. After the matches were over, he retuned to being 1st Sergeant of the Company. 1st Sgt. Joseph A. Adriaensen was given the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal # 7805, for service in China, 1933-34. On 09 August 1938 he received ER pistol Bar and ER Rifle Badge. On 16 November 1938 he was transferred to HQ & Service Battery.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 16 November 1938 to 12 April 1939

Headquarters & Service Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Brigade, FMF, MCB, San Diego, California

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. Battery 1st Sergeant. 24 February to 09 April 1939, temporary duty at Rifle range, La Jolla, California, in connection with Western Rifle and Pistol Matches and San Diego Trophy Match. 10-11 April 1939 1st Sgt. of Btry. On 12 April 1939 he was transferred to "E" Battery, same post.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 12 April 1939 to 15 June 1939

"E" Battery (75 M/M PK HOW), 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Brigade, FMF, MCB, San Diego, California

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 17 April 1939 he was enroute to San Clemente Island, California via U.S.S. CHESTER. Battery "E" was stationed at Camp Nimitz, San Clemente the rest of April thru 09 June 1939. On 09 June he embarked and sailed from San Clemente via the U.S.S.ANTARES. They arrived back in San Diego the same day. On 15 June 1939 he was transferred to Repair Section, Second Transport Company, Second Marine Brigade, San Diego.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 15 June 1939 to 03 April 1941

Second Transport Company, Second Marine Brigade, FMF, MCB, San Diego, California

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. From 17-25 February 1940 he was temporarily assigned to RS, San Francisco, California, in connection with the Olympic Club Pistol Matches. Company 1st Sergeant.

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen (36 Belgium) is found in the 1940 United States Federal Census (15 April 1940) for San Diego, San Diego, California (sheet 3A, household 63, 1942 La Jolla ave) along with his wife, Irene Adriaensen (25 China). He had lived in Shanghai, China in 1935. Joseph was a naturalized U.S. citizen. He had completed two years of high school; Irene finished four years of high school. He was in the U.S. Marine Corps; Irene worked as a waitress at a soda fountain shop.

1941 San Diego, California, City Directory – Joseph A Adriansen (Irene L) USMC r h1045 Beryl

On 03 April 1941 he was transferred to an Asiatic Station for General assignment. He embarked 04 April 1941 and sailed 09 April 1941 from NYd, Mare Island, California via U.S.S. HENDERSON. When he said good bye this time it would be the last time that Irene and the Adriaensen family were ever to see him alive again.

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen was assigned to the Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: July 1941 to 29 September 1941

Company "A", First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China.

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 29 September 1941, members of the 4th Marines were transferred to the Philippine Islands. They embarked on 29 September 1941 aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON. On 30 September 1941 they sailed from Shanghai, China. They arrived and disembarked at Manila, Philippine Islands on 04 October 1941. 1st Sgt. Adriaensen was assigned to Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 04 October 1941 to 20 December 1941

Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion Marine Barracks Navy Yard, Cavite, Philippine Islands.

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. On 31 October 1941, he was discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment. Character: Excellent. Recommended for GCMed. Bar. He reenlisted the next day, 01 November 1941, for his 5th tour of duty having completed 16 years service in the USMC.

1st Sgt. Adriaensen was one of 700 Marines that was organized as a defense and infantry battalion. The First Separate Marine Battalion at Cavite provided antiaircraft and ground protection for all naval activities there.

On the 14th of November, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that "The Government of the United States has decided to withdraw the American Marine detachments now maintained ashore in China..." Clouds of war were quickly closing in on the China Marines as Japan and the United States edged ever closer to active hostilities. "one could sense the tenseness in the air," Lieutenant Colonel Curtis T. Beecher remembered, "There was a general feeling of uneasiness in the air." Source: From Shanghai To Corregidor: Marines In The Defense Of The Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in WWII Commemorative Series), page 3.

By the end of November 1941 the rest of the Fourth Marines in China were sent to the Philippine Islands.

Cavite

Three Marine-manned antiaircraft positions were located outside the Cavite Navy Yard: Battery A, across the bay at Canacao Golf Course on the tip of Sangley Point; Battery B at Carridad; and Battery C at Binacayan one mile south. Each was "armed with four 3-inch dual-purpose guns, 3-inch antiaircraft guns, or .50-caliber machine guns." Battery D was divided to support each position with five .50-caliber machine guns.

"HAWAII BOMBED–WAR!" On 07 December 1941 Japan attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. Ten hours later, 08 December 1941 (Manila time), Japan attacked the Philippines. "The news was stunning, perhaps paralyzingly unbelievable. The Japanese would not dare to attack the United States!" Ted R. Williams. But they did and on 10 December, 54 Japanese planes in three large "V" formations bombed the Cavite Navy Yard. The Japanese aircraft were flying at 21,000-25,000 feet but the Marine antiaircraft guns had a range of only 15,000 feet. First Lieutenant Carter Simpson at Binacayan later wrote, "We were left with a sense of fatality which was renewed every time our eyes fell on the Yard across the bay ... A toy pistol would have damaged their planes as much as we did." Battery A on Sangley Point ceased fire after the first wave passed untouched.... Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 7 and 8.

Approximately 1000 people were killed that day and the Navy Yard was left burning and in shambles. The first Marine to lose his life in defense of the Philippine Islands was Private First Class Thomas L. Wetherington, killed by bomb fragments. "As night neared, all personnel, except a small group of Marines and Manila firemen, were evacuated out of the Yard and transported by truck to a site on the road leading to Manila. After traveling 15 miles the trucks stopped and the battalion set up camp. The following morning Marine detachments were sent back to guard the abandoned Navy Yard." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 8 and 9.

Japanese forces began a full-scale invasion of Luzon on 22 December. In response, General Douglas MacArthur, ordered the withdrawal of the American and Filipino forces to the Bataan peninsula to be a part of the Bataan Defense Force. On 26 December the First Separate Marine Battalion were moved to Mariveles, Bataan. "As night fell on 26 December all personnel, equipment, and supplies were in place in the jungle near Mariveles." Over the next couple of days they were moved to Fort Mills, Corregidor Island. On 01 January 1942 the First Separate Marine Battalion was redesignated as 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. 1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen was assigned to Company "I", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls: 01 January 1942 to  06 May 1942

Company "I", Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.

1st Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen. The Marines were assigned to beach defenses on the tail of the island. Work began immediately on construction of beach defenses.

As the weeks passed, the 4th Marines and other units garrisoning Corregidor realized the hopelessness of the situation when it became clear that no relief force would be forthcoming. The 4th Marines' mission of defending the beaches gained new importance as the Japanese moved down the Bataan Peninsula. Source: A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970), page 24.

On 09 April 1942, Filipino and U.S. forces on Bataan were surrendered and the Japanese were able to mass artillery for an all-out attack of the Rock from just 2 miles away. A virtual rain of shells and bombs saturated the island during April, resulting in the destruction of most beach defenses.

April 29, Wednesday: The birthday of Emperor Hirohito. The Japanese raise the level of intensity of the aerial and artillery attacks a few notches. At 0730, the attack opens with the 260th air alarm of the campaign. Japanese bombers flew 83 sorties, dropping 106 tons of bombs. The air raids and the artillery fire continue without let up all day. By nightfall, Corregidor is in shambles, a pulverized, blasted chunk of rock lying under a blanket of dust and smoke. Fires rage out of control all over the island and smoke towers 3,000 feet in the air. 1st Sgt. Adriaensen was "slightly wounded in action."

01 May, 1942 • Pacific Beach, San Diego, California

Irene Adriaensen receives a telegram reporting that her husband First Sergeant Joseph Adriaensen had been wounded in action.

"It took no mental giant," wrote Wainwright, "to figure out, that the enemy was ready to come against Corregidor." On the night of 05 May 1942, Japanese forces landed on the island. Despite heavy resistance by the defenders and severe losses to the Japanese, the enemy was able to push forward. The situation grew more perilous and feeling that further resistance was useless and fearing a possible massacre of 1,000 sick and wounded personnel in Malinta Tunnel, General Wainwright decided to surrender. At 1200, 06 May 1942 the surrender went into effect.

The prisoners on Corregidor were held in the Kindley Field Garage area. Roughly twelve thousand POW's were crowded into this area. All the wounded who could walk also were ordered to go there, many with broken bones or serious injuries. For seven days they were kept there without food, except for that which could be scavenged by the few POW's who were formed into work parties, to clear away the dead and to remove the rubble caused by Jap artillery. Most of the prisoners got nothing to eat during those seven days. There was only one water spigot for the twelve thousand. A twelve-hour wait to fill one canteen was the usual rule.

"Each prisoner was given a number, which had to be painted on the back of his shirt or trousers. In the scant two days that elapsed between the actual capitulation at noon, 6 May 1942, and the internment of the prisoners in this area on 8 May, the Japanese soldiers robbed every prisoner of all his possessions, such as watches, fountain pens, rings, eye glasses, wallets and money. All the prisoners, officers and enlisted men alike, were required by Japanese order to salute Japanese soldiers and officers if they were covered, and to bow from the waist if they were uncovered. This rule was strictly enforced by the Japanese soldiers. The Filipino prisoners were kept separate from the Americans by an imaginary line." Source: Report on American Prisoners of War interned by the Japanese in the Philippines prepared by the Office of the Provost Marshal General, 19 November 1945.

Missing In Action • 12 May, 1942 • Pacific Beach, San Diego, California.

Irene Adriaensen was informed that First Sergeant Joseph Adriaensen was missing in action against the enemy and that he will be carried on the Marine Corp records as missing pending further information.

On the afternoon of May 22nd the Japanese loaded the prisoners onto three merchant ships and the next day they were transported to Manila. There the POW's were marched down Dewey Boulevard and through the streets in a Japanese "victory" parade to Bilibid Prison. During the last days of May most of the Corregidor POWs left Bilibid in 100 men detachments. They were crammed into boxcars and taken to the Japanese POW Camps 1, 2 and 3, just east of the town of Cabanatuan, Nueva Province, Luzon, Philippines 15-121. Approximately 6,000 POWs (including 1st Sgt. Joseph A. Adriaensen) were taken to Camp #3.

Back home, two day after Corregidor fell, on 08 May 1942, Irene Lydia Adriaensen, 27, residing at 1045 Beryl St., San Diego, California, received her naturalization papers at the Superior Court, San Diego, California. The certificate was issued 11 May 1942 (Petition No. 8262. Certificate 2264959..

A little over a month later, First Sergeant Joseph Aloysius Adriaensen, age 38, USMC, died as 5:00 pm on 24 June 1942 of dysentery and pneumonia. He was the 18th prisoner to die in Camp 3 since it opened. He listed his wife: Mrs. Jos. A. Adriaensen of 1045 Beryl St., Pacific Beach, San Diego, California as his next of kin. Joseph was buried in the Cabanatuan prison cemetery – grave # 18. The cemetery at Camp #3 was about 100 yards due west from the northwest corner of camp. All graves head west. The graves were marked with a bottle at the head of the grave. The bottle contained his Death Certificate.

First Sergeant Joseph A. Adriaensen was officially listed as "Missing in Action." His status as MIA was reviewed on 06 May 1943 and approved "continuance is MIA status". It wasn't until after the war was over that details of his death came out when documents from Captain R. E. Conn Jr, USA became available in February 1945 "states man died 23 June 1942 at Camp #3, buried Grave No. 18."

The Commandant of the USMC wrote personally to Irene to officially advise that her husband First Sergeant Joseph Adriaensen died 23 June 1942 in a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines.

1st Sgt. Adriaensen's diligence, hard work, and courage resulted in a plethora of awards. He received sixteen medals for his dedication between the years of 1931 and 1942, including the Purple Heart and the Army Presidential Unit Citation. Additionally, he was listed as a rifle expert which requires accuracy and precision.

After the war, all the remains in the Cabanatuan Prison cemetery that could be found were disinterred (between December 1945 - February 1946) and brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands. The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948 for positive identification. From there according to the wishes of his family, the remains of First Sergeant Joseph Aloysius Adriaensen were returned to the U.S. and he was buried in his final resting place on Thursday, 18 August 1949 in Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Rock Island County, Illinois – Section E, Grave 397

LAST LARGE GROUP OF OVERSEAS DEAD FOR BURIAL THURSDAY

There will be eight burials of soldiers who died overseas at the National cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal, Thursday. This will probably be the last group of that size scheduled. Fewer bodies will come in the future weeks and it is expected all bodies will be returned during the fall.

The F. W. Galbraith Post No. 828, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Davenport, will furnish the honor escort for all Thursday funerals... The soldiers who will be reburied and the time of the services are: 9:00 a.m. First Sergt. Joseph A. Adriaensen, Chicago .... Source: The Democrat and Leader (Davenport, Iowa), Sunday, 14 August 1949, page 12.

"Marine casualties in the defense of the Philippines totaled 72 killed in action, 17 dead of wounds, and 167 wounded in action. Worse that the casualty levels caused by combat in the Philippines was the brutal treatment of the Marines in Japanese hands. Of the 1,487 members of the 4th Marines captured on Corregidor, 474 died in captivity." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller, page 44.

Irene Virginia "Lydia" Gregory Adriaensen (13 April 1915 • Shanghai, China – 08 August 1978 • San Diego County, California)