Theodore Roosevelt Kalakuka graduated from Technical High School, Scranton, Pennsylvania - Class of 1921.
He had enlisted in the 109th Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, in January 1921. Ted was assigned to Howitzer Company. He gained, through competitive examination entrance into the U.S. Military Academy on 02 July 1923. Ted (by then a Corporal) was recommended to the Academy by his commanding officer, Captain Ellsworth Kelly.
Cadet Kalakuka was the first Ukrainian graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point – Class of 1927. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant (S/N O-16841) in the Cavalry on 14 June 1927 (the day he graduated).
September 1927 – "Lieutenant Theodore R. Kalakuka, Cavalry First Machine Gun Squadron, Corps Area, has left for Fort Clark, Texas, to report to General Eltinge for duty. Lieutenant Kalakuka graduated from West Point Military Academy in June. He was accompanied on his trip by his sister, Miss Olga Kay Kalakuka, who will spend her vacation in Texas." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, 07 September 1927, page 6.
Theodore Kalakuka (25, says New York but should be New Jersey) appears in the 1930 United States Federal Census (14 April 1930) for Fort Brown, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas (sheet 7A, line 19). He was an officer in the U.S. Army.
He graduated from Signal School and Communication Officers' Course in 1931.
He graduated from Cavalry School Training Officers' Course in 1933. Second Lt. Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to First Lieutenant 01 May 1933.
October 1933 – Lt. Kalakuka was commanding officer of the Civilian Conservation Corps for the Iowa Lake Region first at Spencer, Iowa then the camp moved to Milford, Iowa.
He graduated from QuarterMaster Corps School in Philadelphia in 1935. On 30 June 1935, 1st Lt. Theodore Kalakuka assumed new duties at the Washington D.C. Quartermaster depot.
Theodore Kalakuka (30) married Marion F. Ross (21) on 15 April 1936 in the District of Columbia. They had two daughters: Page Kalakuku (1937-2005) and Christine Kalakuka (1940-2007).
Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to Captain on 14 June 1937. He was transferred to the Quartermaster Corps on 02 March 1938.
1939 Washington, District of Columbia, City Directory – Theodore Kalakuka r 3613 Wisconsin av.
Theodore Kalakuka (34 New Jersey) is found in the 1940 United States Federal Census (06 April 1940) for Arlington, Virginia (sheet 2B, household 40, 1330 North Harrison Street) along with his wife, Marion R. Kalakuka (25 Alaska) and daughter, Page R. Kalakuka (2 District of Columbia). He had completed more than 5 years of college, Marion had finished 2 years of college. They had lived in D.C. in 1935. Ted was a clerk for the federal government.
He graduated from the Army Ind. College in 1940 and was transferred to the Philippines with assignment as plans officer and executive officer for the Quartermaster General, U.S. Army Forces, Far East. He sailing from New York on 14 September 1940. His family accompanied him to Manila.
He was appointed Major in the U.S. Army on 31 January 1941.
With the possibility of war looming on the horizon, dependents were ordered to leave the Philippines. Marion R. Kalakuku (26, 18 August 1914, Chilcoot Bks, Alaska) and their two daughters, Page Kalakuku (3, 19 November 1937, District of Columbia) and Christina Kalakuku (1, 07 April 1940, District of Columbia), left Manila, P.I. on 05 May 1941 and arrived in New York, New York on 11 June 1941 aboard the U.S.A.T. Republic. They moved back to Arlington.
The outbreak of war on 08 December 1941 and the implementation of WPO-3 gave the Quartermaster Corps very little time to get rations and supplies out of Manila. MacArthur order the department to first provide Fort Mills with supplies sufficient for six months which they were able to do (via barges). Next they focused on the problem of supplying Bataan.
Kalakuka was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army on 19 December 1941 and by 24 December 1941 was in charge of the evacuation to Bataan. The troops departure from Manila was so fast that they were not able to put into operation any of their withdraw plans. Lt. Col. Kalakuka ended up just telling leaving units to grab what supplies they could as they retreated
Silver Star – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of the Mariveles-Bagac Road, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on 29 January, 1942. During an enemy aerial attack Lt. Col. Kalakuka observed a wounded soldier lying in a position fully exposed to further aircraft fire. Without regard to his personal safety and although enemy bombers were still active in the vicinity, he emerged from shelter and carried the casualty to a covered position, administering first aid and standing by until the arrival of a medical officer."
First Oak Leaf Cluster – "In recognition of the following act of gallantry occurring at Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on Jan. 4, 1942. Learning that a fire had been started in the vicinity of the North Dock as a result of a severe enemy aerial bombardment. Lt. Col. Kalakuka, on his own initiative, left the bomb shelter before "all clear" signal had sounded and proceeded to the burning area where he took immediate action to save valuable and important equipment and supplies. This courageous officer persisted in his efforts despite the hazards of exploding ammunition and the threat of explosion and fire from a large fuel oil storage tank in the immediate vicinity of the conflagration. This gallant and conscientious exploit resulted in the preservation of a large amount of much needed supplies and military equipment."
Second Oak Leaf Cluster – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Agoloma Bay, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on Jan. 24, 1942. During an attack to expel an enemy landing party, Lt. Col. Kalakuka, who was engaged in a reconnaissance of the general area, voluntarily joined in the attack when he learned that the company commander had been wounded and that the company was without an officer. This gallant officer assisted in reorganizing stragglers, and in the face of heavy enemy small arms, mortar fire, and despite a wound received in the action, demonstrated courage and leadership in proceeding through heavy jungle terrain to a position within 20 yards of the enemy line. Lt. Col. Kalakuka's example of courage and leadership was a significant factor in the ultimate success of the attack."
On 09 April 1942, Bataan fell and 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers became prisoners of war the Japanese.
"The last days on Corregidor were marked by death and destruction as artillery shells rained in from gun emplacements on the surrounding Bataan Peninsula and constant air strikes left only rubble on the surface. The last stand shelter left intact was Malinta Tunnel where 5000 men (1000 of them sick and wounded in the hospital laterals) and 58 women were crammed in the tunnels.
"May 6, 1942, with Japanese swarming over the northern end of the island and some forces already nearing the tunnel, Gen. Wainwright sent this message to the President: "With broken heart...I report...that today I must arrange terms for surrender of the fortified islands of Manila Bay...with profound regrets...I go to meet the Japanese commander."
"So during a lull in Japanese fire at 1:10 p.m., Gen. Wainwright went out of the tunnel under a white flag with a group of officers to negotiate a surrender. He was taken by boat to meet General Masaharu Homma, who refused to accept terms with the surrender of all American forces in the Philippines.
"Even while the fruitless negotiations were under way, the Japanese continued shelling the tunnel and other emplacements on the island. Inside the tunnel, Gen. Sharp had no way of knowing what had befallen Gen. Wainwright's party, assuming they had been taken prisoner or killed. The situation grew worse.
Recalling those final moments years later in Collier's Magazine, Gen. Sharp explained how, by a twist of fate, the final surrender of the complex fell to Col. Kalakuka.
"Standing in lateral No. 3, my headquarters as chief quartermaster," the general wrote, "I consulted with my executive officer, Col Kalakuka. A West Pointer, born of Ukrainian parents, he was fluent in five languages. He was ready to go out alone into the firing and make another try at surrender."
"The general recalled Kalakuka told him: "I have a hunch that some Jap officer out there, if I can find him, will talk one of my languages. I will explain the conditions and tell him we are ready."
"General Sharp recalled that he "reluctantly" agreed. After Kalakuka's plan was explained to the men in the tunnel, he made his wy past a sand bag barrier and out of the tunnel.
"Ten or more tense minutes passed in silence before Kalakuka returned, accompanied by a Japanese major and a Japanese lieutenant, who had been able to speak with Kalakuka in Russian.
With Kalakuka serving as interpreter, Gen. Sharp and the Japanese major worked out an agreement to safely evacuate the 5000 men and 50 women from the tunnel. The general wrote in Collier's that he had earlier feared a Japanese tank firing into the tunnel might have resulted in a mass slaughter.
"It was all over, and when Gen. Wainwright returned to Corregidor in the custody of the Japanese he found his men had already surrendered safely." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Friday, 29 May 1970, pages 3 and 11.
In a matter of hours, the voice of General Wainwright came over the Japanese radio in Manila: "WE ARE 8,000 MILES FROM THE UNITED STATES. THERE HAS BEEN AND WILL BE NO REINFORCEMENTS. FURTHER RESISTANCE AND BLOODSHED ARE USELESS.
I ORDER ALL FIL-AMERICAN FORCES IN THE PHILIPPINES TO LAY DOWN ARMS
AND TO SURRENDER! WAINWRIGHT."
He sent the following officers to serve his "Surrender Orders," Colonel Jesse T. Trayvick Jr USA to Major General William F. Sharp, commander of the Visyayan-Mindanao Forces; Brig. General Guillermo B. Francisco to Southern Luzon & Bicol Regions and Lt. Col. Kalakuka USA to Lt. Col Guillermo Nakar Commander, 14th Infantry, in Cagayan Valley; These representatives of Gen. Wainwright traveled under a flag of truce and were accompanied by ranking Japanese officers and provided adequate land and air transportation.
"I have chosen Lt. Col. T. Kalakuka to find Colonel Nakar in the desolate guerrilla country of Northern Luzon. Colonel Kalakuka was one tough, vigorous soldier with considerable talent as a linguist. He was never heard of after he set out for Colonel Nakar." Source: This Is My Story" by Gen. Jonathan Wainwright
"When I arrived in Bayombong in October there were a dozen American POWs that included L. Col. E. Warner, original 14th Inf. CO and L. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, emissary of Gen. Wainright in the surrender process after the fall of Corregidor. Source: Diary of Ramon A. Alcaraz, 26 January 1943
"As I greeted Col. Warner and Major Minton, in walked another American from a different direction. Lt. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, QMC, Gen. Wainwright's G-4 from Manila, saying, "I've been sent here by General Wainwright." Ted had arrived in a Jap plane from Manila with a Japanese pass. He continued, "He has ordered all Fil-American troops to surrender. If any unit does not surrender, all of the captives on Corregidor will be severely punished..." Source: BLOOD BROTHERS - A Medic's Sketch Book by Colonel Eugene C. Jacobs (1985 Carlton Press, Inc., New York, N.Y), Chapter III MacArthur's First Guerrilla Regiment.
On 20 June Col. Warner officially surrendered the 14th Infantry to the Japanese. Col. Nakar chose not to surrender and became the leader of the guerrilla movement in the Cagayan Valley. Sadly he was eventually caught by the Japanese, tortured and beheaded.
Lt. Col. Kalakuka and a number of other American prisoners were held in that area. In October he was hospitalized in the town of Bayombong suffering from cerebral malaria. Lt. Col. Ted Kalakuka died on 31 October 1942. He was given a military funeral by the Japanese and his driver, Sgt. Eugene L. Vos, was a member of the guard of honor. "The fact that even the Japanese respected the bravery and honor of the heroic colonel was evidenced by the rare honor of a U.S. military funeral accorded him by the Japanese Army." Lt. Col. Kalakuka was first buried in the Catholic cemetery in town. His family did not receive notice of his death until three years later.
After the war his body was reinterred in 7749 USAF Cemetery, Santa Barbara #1, Philippine Islands – Row 105, Grave 5548 (D-D No. 2403). During the fall of 1947 his remains (along with 5,195 other American soldiers) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (sister, Mrs Catherine K. Kranick), Lieutenant Colonel Theodore R. Kalakuka was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot D, Row 1, Grave 157.
Awards: Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart. In May, 1946, President Truman awarded the Silver Star and two Oak Leaf clusters posthumously to Col. Kalakuka. The honors were presented to his widow by Gen. Sharp.
His widow, Marion Ross Kalakuka had remarried to Norman F. Godbe by 1946.
He had enlisted in the 109th Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, in January 1921. Ted was assigned to Howitzer Company. He gained, through competitive examination entrance into the U.S. Military Academy on 02 July 1923. Ted (by then a Corporal) was recommended to the Academy by his commanding officer, Captain Ellsworth Kelly.
Cadet Kalakuka was the first Ukrainian graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point – Class of 1927. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant (S/N O-16841) in the Cavalry on 14 June 1927 (the day he graduated).
September 1927 – "Lieutenant Theodore R. Kalakuka, Cavalry First Machine Gun Squadron, Corps Area, has left for Fort Clark, Texas, to report to General Eltinge for duty. Lieutenant Kalakuka graduated from West Point Military Academy in June. He was accompanied on his trip by his sister, Miss Olga Kay Kalakuka, who will spend her vacation in Texas." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, 07 September 1927, page 6.
Theodore Kalakuka (25, says New York but should be New Jersey) appears in the 1930 United States Federal Census (14 April 1930) for Fort Brown, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas (sheet 7A, line 19). He was an officer in the U.S. Army.
He graduated from Signal School and Communication Officers' Course in 1931.
He graduated from Cavalry School Training Officers' Course in 1933. Second Lt. Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to First Lieutenant 01 May 1933.
October 1933 – Lt. Kalakuka was commanding officer of the Civilian Conservation Corps for the Iowa Lake Region first at Spencer, Iowa then the camp moved to Milford, Iowa.
He graduated from QuarterMaster Corps School in Philadelphia in 1935. On 30 June 1935, 1st Lt. Theodore Kalakuka assumed new duties at the Washington D.C. Quartermaster depot.
Theodore Kalakuka (30) married Marion F. Ross (21) on 15 April 1936 in the District of Columbia. They had two daughters: Page Kalakuku (1937-2005) and Christine Kalakuka (1940-2007).
Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to Captain on 14 June 1937. He was transferred to the Quartermaster Corps on 02 March 1938.
1939 Washington, District of Columbia, City Directory – Theodore Kalakuka r 3613 Wisconsin av.
Theodore Kalakuka (34 New Jersey) is found in the 1940 United States Federal Census (06 April 1940) for Arlington, Virginia (sheet 2B, household 40, 1330 North Harrison Street) along with his wife, Marion R. Kalakuka (25 Alaska) and daughter, Page R. Kalakuka (2 District of Columbia). He had completed more than 5 years of college, Marion had finished 2 years of college. They had lived in D.C. in 1935. Ted was a clerk for the federal government.
He graduated from the Army Ind. College in 1940 and was transferred to the Philippines with assignment as plans officer and executive officer for the Quartermaster General, U.S. Army Forces, Far East. He sailing from New York on 14 September 1940. His family accompanied him to Manila.
He was appointed Major in the U.S. Army on 31 January 1941.
With the possibility of war looming on the horizon, dependents were ordered to leave the Philippines. Marion R. Kalakuku (26, 18 August 1914, Chilcoot Bks, Alaska) and their two daughters, Page Kalakuku (3, 19 November 1937, District of Columbia) and Christina Kalakuku (1, 07 April 1940, District of Columbia), left Manila, P.I. on 05 May 1941 and arrived in New York, New York on 11 June 1941 aboard the U.S.A.T. Republic. They moved back to Arlington.
The outbreak of war on 08 December 1941 and the implementation of WPO-3 gave the Quartermaster Corps very little time to get rations and supplies out of Manila. MacArthur order the department to first provide Fort Mills with supplies sufficient for six months which they were able to do (via barges). Next they focused on the problem of supplying Bataan.
Kalakuka was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army on 19 December 1941 and by 24 December 1941 was in charge of the evacuation to Bataan. The troops departure from Manila was so fast that they were not able to put into operation any of their withdraw plans. Lt. Col. Kalakuka ended up just telling leaving units to grab what supplies they could as they retreated
Silver Star – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of the Mariveles-Bagac Road, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on 29 January, 1942. During an enemy aerial attack Lt. Col. Kalakuka observed a wounded soldier lying in a position fully exposed to further aircraft fire. Without regard to his personal safety and although enemy bombers were still active in the vicinity, he emerged from shelter and carried the casualty to a covered position, administering first aid and standing by until the arrival of a medical officer."
First Oak Leaf Cluster – "In recognition of the following act of gallantry occurring at Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on Jan. 4, 1942. Learning that a fire had been started in the vicinity of the North Dock as a result of a severe enemy aerial bombardment. Lt. Col. Kalakuka, on his own initiative, left the bomb shelter before "all clear" signal had sounded and proceeded to the burning area where he took immediate action to save valuable and important equipment and supplies. This courageous officer persisted in his efforts despite the hazards of exploding ammunition and the threat of explosion and fire from a large fuel oil storage tank in the immediate vicinity of the conflagration. This gallant and conscientious exploit resulted in the preservation of a large amount of much needed supplies and military equipment."
Second Oak Leaf Cluster – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Agoloma Bay, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on Jan. 24, 1942. During an attack to expel an enemy landing party, Lt. Col. Kalakuka, who was engaged in a reconnaissance of the general area, voluntarily joined in the attack when he learned that the company commander had been wounded and that the company was without an officer. This gallant officer assisted in reorganizing stragglers, and in the face of heavy enemy small arms, mortar fire, and despite a wound received in the action, demonstrated courage and leadership in proceeding through heavy jungle terrain to a position within 20 yards of the enemy line. Lt. Col. Kalakuka's example of courage and leadership was a significant factor in the ultimate success of the attack."
On 09 April 1942, Bataan fell and 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers became prisoners of war the Japanese.
"The last days on Corregidor were marked by death and destruction as artillery shells rained in from gun emplacements on the surrounding Bataan Peninsula and constant air strikes left only rubble on the surface. The last stand shelter left intact was Malinta Tunnel where 5000 men (1000 of them sick and wounded in the hospital laterals) and 58 women were crammed in the tunnels.
"May 6, 1942, with Japanese swarming over the northern end of the island and some forces already nearing the tunnel, Gen. Wainwright sent this message to the President: "With broken heart...I report...that today I must arrange terms for surrender of the fortified islands of Manila Bay...with profound regrets...I go to meet the Japanese commander."
"So during a lull in Japanese fire at 1:10 p.m., Gen. Wainwright went out of the tunnel under a white flag with a group of officers to negotiate a surrender. He was taken by boat to meet General Masaharu Homma, who refused to accept terms with the surrender of all American forces in the Philippines.
"Even while the fruitless negotiations were under way, the Japanese continued shelling the tunnel and other emplacements on the island. Inside the tunnel, Gen. Sharp had no way of knowing what had befallen Gen. Wainwright's party, assuming they had been taken prisoner or killed. The situation grew worse.
Recalling those final moments years later in Collier's Magazine, Gen. Sharp explained how, by a twist of fate, the final surrender of the complex fell to Col. Kalakuka.
"Standing in lateral No. 3, my headquarters as chief quartermaster," the general wrote, "I consulted with my executive officer, Col Kalakuka. A West Pointer, born of Ukrainian parents, he was fluent in five languages. He was ready to go out alone into the firing and make another try at surrender."
"The general recalled Kalakuka told him: "I have a hunch that some Jap officer out there, if I can find him, will talk one of my languages. I will explain the conditions and tell him we are ready."
"General Sharp recalled that he "reluctantly" agreed. After Kalakuka's plan was explained to the men in the tunnel, he made his wy past a sand bag barrier and out of the tunnel.
"Ten or more tense minutes passed in silence before Kalakuka returned, accompanied by a Japanese major and a Japanese lieutenant, who had been able to speak with Kalakuka in Russian.
With Kalakuka serving as interpreter, Gen. Sharp and the Japanese major worked out an agreement to safely evacuate the 5000 men and 50 women from the tunnel. The general wrote in Collier's that he had earlier feared a Japanese tank firing into the tunnel might have resulted in a mass slaughter.
"It was all over, and when Gen. Wainwright returned to Corregidor in the custody of the Japanese he found his men had already surrendered safely." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Friday, 29 May 1970, pages 3 and 11.
In a matter of hours, the voice of General Wainwright came over the Japanese radio in Manila: "WE ARE 8,000 MILES FROM THE UNITED STATES. THERE HAS BEEN AND WILL BE NO REINFORCEMENTS. FURTHER RESISTANCE AND BLOODSHED ARE USELESS.
I ORDER ALL FIL-AMERICAN FORCES IN THE PHILIPPINES TO LAY DOWN ARMS
AND TO SURRENDER! WAINWRIGHT."
He sent the following officers to serve his "Surrender Orders," Colonel Jesse T. Trayvick Jr USA to Major General William F. Sharp, commander of the Visyayan-Mindanao Forces; Brig. General Guillermo B. Francisco to Southern Luzon & Bicol Regions and Lt. Col. Kalakuka USA to Lt. Col Guillermo Nakar Commander, 14th Infantry, in Cagayan Valley; These representatives of Gen. Wainwright traveled under a flag of truce and were accompanied by ranking Japanese officers and provided adequate land and air transportation.
"I have chosen Lt. Col. T. Kalakuka to find Colonel Nakar in the desolate guerrilla country of Northern Luzon. Colonel Kalakuka was one tough, vigorous soldier with considerable talent as a linguist. He was never heard of after he set out for Colonel Nakar." Source: This Is My Story" by Gen. Jonathan Wainwright
"When I arrived in Bayombong in October there were a dozen American POWs that included L. Col. E. Warner, original 14th Inf. CO and L. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, emissary of Gen. Wainright in the surrender process after the fall of Corregidor. Source: Diary of Ramon A. Alcaraz, 26 January 1943
"As I greeted Col. Warner and Major Minton, in walked another American from a different direction. Lt. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, QMC, Gen. Wainwright's G-4 from Manila, saying, "I've been sent here by General Wainwright." Ted had arrived in a Jap plane from Manila with a Japanese pass. He continued, "He has ordered all Fil-American troops to surrender. If any unit does not surrender, all of the captives on Corregidor will be severely punished..." Source: BLOOD BROTHERS - A Medic's Sketch Book by Colonel Eugene C. Jacobs (1985 Carlton Press, Inc., New York, N.Y), Chapter III MacArthur's First Guerrilla Regiment.
On 20 June Col. Warner officially surrendered the 14th Infantry to the Japanese. Col. Nakar chose not to surrender and became the leader of the guerrilla movement in the Cagayan Valley. Sadly he was eventually caught by the Japanese, tortured and beheaded.
Lt. Col. Kalakuka and a number of other American prisoners were held in that area. In October he was hospitalized in the town of Bayombong suffering from cerebral malaria. Lt. Col. Ted Kalakuka died on 31 October 1942. He was given a military funeral by the Japanese and his driver, Sgt. Eugene L. Vos, was a member of the guard of honor. "The fact that even the Japanese respected the bravery and honor of the heroic colonel was evidenced by the rare honor of a U.S. military funeral accorded him by the Japanese Army." Lt. Col. Kalakuka was first buried in the Catholic cemetery in town. His family did not receive notice of his death until three years later.
After the war his body was reinterred in 7749 USAF Cemetery, Santa Barbara #1, Philippine Islands – Row 105, Grave 5548 (D-D No. 2403). During the fall of 1947 his remains (along with 5,195 other American soldiers) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (sister, Mrs Catherine K. Kranick), Lieutenant Colonel Theodore R. Kalakuka was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot D, Row 1, Grave 157.
Awards: Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart. In May, 1946, President Truman awarded the Silver Star and two Oak Leaf clusters posthumously to Col. Kalakuka. The honors were presented to his widow by Gen. Sharp.
His widow, Marion Ross Kalakuka had remarried to Norman F. Godbe by 1946.
Theodore Roosevelt Kalakuka graduated from Technical High School, Scranton, Pennsylvania - Class of 1921.
He had enlisted in the 109th Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, in January 1921. Ted was assigned to Howitzer Company. He gained, through competitive examination entrance into the U.S. Military Academy on 02 July 1923. Ted (by then a Corporal) was recommended to the Academy by his commanding officer, Captain Ellsworth Kelly.
Cadet Kalakuka was the first Ukrainian graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point – Class of 1927. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant (S/N O-16841) in the Cavalry on 14 June 1927 (the day he graduated).
September 1927 – "Lieutenant Theodore R. Kalakuka, Cavalry First Machine Gun Squadron, Corps Area, has left for Fort Clark, Texas, to report to General Eltinge for duty. Lieutenant Kalakuka graduated from West Point Military Academy in June. He was accompanied on his trip by his sister, Miss Olga Kay Kalakuka, who will spend her vacation in Texas." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, 07 September 1927, page 6.
Theodore Kalakuka (25, says New York but should be New Jersey) appears in the 1930 United States Federal Census (14 April 1930) for Fort Brown, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas (sheet 7A, line 19). He was an officer in the U.S. Army.
He graduated from Signal School and Communication Officers' Course in 1931.
He graduated from Cavalry School Training Officers' Course in 1933. Second Lt. Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to First Lieutenant 01 May 1933.
October 1933 – Lt. Kalakuka was commanding officer of the Civilian Conservation Corps for the Iowa Lake Region first at Spencer, Iowa then the camp moved to Milford, Iowa.
He graduated from QuarterMaster Corps School in Philadelphia in 1935. On 30 June 1935, 1st Lt. Theodore Kalakuka assumed new duties at the Washington D.C. Quartermaster depot.
Theodore Kalakuka (30) married Marion F. Ross (21) on 15 April 1936 in the District of Columbia. They had two daughters: Page Kalakuku (1937-2005) and Christine Kalakuka (1940-2007).
Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to Captain on 14 June 1937. He was transferred to the Quartermaster Corps on 02 March 1938.
1939 Washington, District of Columbia, City Directory – Theodore Kalakuka r 3613 Wisconsin av.
Theodore Kalakuka (34 New Jersey) is found in the 1940 United States Federal Census (06 April 1940) for Arlington, Virginia (sheet 2B, household 40, 1330 North Harrison Street) along with his wife, Marion R. Kalakuka (25 Alaska) and daughter, Page R. Kalakuka (2 District of Columbia). He had completed more than 5 years of college, Marion had finished 2 years of college. They had lived in D.C. in 1935. Ted was a clerk for the federal government.
He graduated from the Army Ind. College in 1940 and was transferred to the Philippines with assignment as plans officer and executive officer for the Quartermaster General, U.S. Army Forces, Far East. He sailing from New York on 14 September 1940. His family accompanied him to Manila.
He was appointed Major in the U.S. Army on 31 January 1941.
With the possibility of war looming on the horizon, dependents were ordered to leave the Philippines. Marion R. Kalakuku (26, 18 August 1914, Chilcoot Bks, Alaska) and their two daughters, Page Kalakuku (3, 19 November 1937, District of Columbia) and Christina Kalakuku (1, 07 April 1940, District of Columbia), left Manila, P.I. on 05 May 1941 and arrived in New York, New York on 11 June 1941 aboard the U.S.A.T. Republic. They moved back to Arlington.
The outbreak of war on 08 December 1941 and the implementation of WPO-3 gave the Quartermaster Corps very little time to get rations and supplies out of Manila. MacArthur order the department to first provide Fort Mills with supplies sufficient for six months which they were able to do (via barges). Next they focused on the problem of supplying Bataan.
Kalakuka was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army on 19 December 1941 and by 24 December 1941 was in charge of the evacuation to Bataan. The troops departure from Manila was so fast that they were not able to put into operation any of their withdraw plans. Lt. Col. Kalakuka ended up just telling leaving units to grab what supplies they could as they retreated
Silver Star – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of the Mariveles-Bagac Road, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on 29 January, 1942. During an enemy aerial attack Lt. Col. Kalakuka observed a wounded soldier lying in a position fully exposed to further aircraft fire. Without regard to his personal safety and although enemy bombers were still active in the vicinity, he emerged from shelter and carried the casualty to a covered position, administering first aid and standing by until the arrival of a medical officer."
First Oak Leaf Cluster – "In recognition of the following act of gallantry occurring at Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on Jan. 4, 1942. Learning that a fire had been started in the vicinity of the North Dock as a result of a severe enemy aerial bombardment. Lt. Col. Kalakuka, on his own initiative, left the bomb shelter before "all clear" signal had sounded and proceeded to the burning area where he took immediate action to save valuable and important equipment and supplies. This courageous officer persisted in his efforts despite the hazards of exploding ammunition and the threat of explosion and fire from a large fuel oil storage tank in the immediate vicinity of the conflagration. This gallant and conscientious exploit resulted in the preservation of a large amount of much needed supplies and military equipment."
Second Oak Leaf Cluster – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Agoloma Bay, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on Jan. 24, 1942. During an attack to expel an enemy landing party, Lt. Col. Kalakuka, who was engaged in a reconnaissance of the general area, voluntarily joined in the attack when he learned that the company commander had been wounded and that the company was without an officer. This gallant officer assisted in reorganizing stragglers, and in the face of heavy enemy small arms, mortar fire, and despite a wound received in the action, demonstrated courage and leadership in proceeding through heavy jungle terrain to a position within 20 yards of the enemy line. Lt. Col. Kalakuka's example of courage and leadership was a significant factor in the ultimate success of the attack."
On 09 April 1942, Bataan fell and 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers became prisoners of war the Japanese.
"The last days on Corregidor were marked by death and destruction as artillery shells rained in from gun emplacements on the surrounding Bataan Peninsula and constant air strikes left only rubble on the surface. The last stand shelter left intact was Malinta Tunnel where 5000 men (1000 of them sick and wounded in the hospital laterals) and 58 women were crammed in the tunnels.
"May 6, 1942, with Japanese swarming over the northern end of the island and some forces already nearing the tunnel, Gen. Wainwright sent this message to the President: "With broken heart...I report...that today I must arrange terms for surrender of the fortified islands of Manila Bay...with profound regrets...I go to meet the Japanese commander."
"So during a lull in Japanese fire at 1:10 p.m., Gen. Wainwright went out of the tunnel under a white flag with a group of officers to negotiate a surrender. He was taken by boat to meet General Masaharu Homma, who refused to accept terms with the surrender of all American forces in the Philippines.
"Even while the fruitless negotiations were under way, the Japanese continued shelling the tunnel and other emplacements on the island. Inside the tunnel, Gen. Sharp had no way of knowing what had befallen Gen. Wainwright's party, assuming they had been taken prisoner or killed. The situation grew worse.
Recalling those final moments years later in Collier's Magazine, Gen. Sharp explained how, by a twist of fate, the final surrender of the complex fell to Col. Kalakuka.
"Standing in lateral No. 3, my headquarters as chief quartermaster," the general wrote, "I consulted with my executive officer, Col Kalakuka. A West Pointer, born of Ukrainian parents, he was fluent in five languages. He was ready to go out alone into the firing and make another try at surrender."
"The general recalled Kalakuka told him: "I have a hunch that some Jap officer out there, if I can find him, will talk one of my languages. I will explain the conditions and tell him we are ready."
"General Sharp recalled that he "reluctantly" agreed. After Kalakuka's plan was explained to the men in the tunnel, he made his wy past a sand bag barrier and out of the tunnel.
"Ten or more tense minutes passed in silence before Kalakuka returned, accompanied by a Japanese major and a Japanese lieutenant, who had been able to speak with Kalakuka in Russian.
With Kalakuka serving as interpreter, Gen. Sharp and the Japanese major worked out an agreement to safely evacuate the 5000 men and 50 women from the tunnel. The general wrote in Collier's that he had earlier feared a Japanese tank firing into the tunnel might have resulted in a mass slaughter.
"It was all over, and when Gen. Wainwright returned to Corregidor in the custody of the Japanese he found his men had already surrendered safely." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Friday, 29 May 1970, pages 3 and 11.
In a matter of hours, the voice of General Wainwright came over the Japanese radio in Manila: "WE ARE 8,000 MILES FROM THE UNITED STATES. THERE HAS BEEN AND WILL BE NO REINFORCEMENTS. FURTHER RESISTANCE AND BLOODSHED ARE USELESS.
I ORDER ALL FIL-AMERICAN FORCES IN THE PHILIPPINES TO LAY DOWN ARMS
AND TO SURRENDER! WAINWRIGHT."
He sent the following officers to serve his "Surrender Orders," Colonel Jesse T. Trayvick Jr USA to Major General William F. Sharp, commander of the Visyayan-Mindanao Forces; Brig. General Guillermo B. Francisco to Southern Luzon & Bicol Regions and Lt. Col. Kalakuka USA to Lt. Col Guillermo Nakar Commander, 14th Infantry, in Cagayan Valley; These representatives of Gen. Wainwright traveled under a flag of truce and were accompanied by ranking Japanese officers and provided adequate land and air transportation.
"I have chosen Lt. Col. T. Kalakuka to find Colonel Nakar in the desolate guerrilla country of Northern Luzon. Colonel Kalakuka was one tough, vigorous soldier with considerable talent as a linguist. He was never heard of after he set out for Colonel Nakar." Source: This Is My Story" by Gen. Jonathan Wainwright
"When I arrived in Bayombong in October there were a dozen American POWs that included L. Col. E. Warner, original 14th Inf. CO and L. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, emissary of Gen. Wainright in the surrender process after the fall of Corregidor. Source: Diary of Ramon A. Alcaraz, 26 January 1943
"As I greeted Col. Warner and Major Minton, in walked another American from a different direction. Lt. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, QMC, Gen. Wainwright's G-4 from Manila, saying, "I've been sent here by General Wainwright." Ted had arrived in a Jap plane from Manila with a Japanese pass. He continued, "He has ordered all Fil-American troops to surrender. If any unit does not surrender, all of the captives on Corregidor will be severely punished..." Source: BLOOD BROTHERS - A Medic's Sketch Book by Colonel Eugene C. Jacobs (1985 Carlton Press, Inc., New York, N.Y), Chapter III MacArthur's First Guerrilla Regiment.
On 20 June Col. Warner officially surrendered the 14th Infantry to the Japanese. Col. Nakar chose not to surrender and became the leader of the guerrilla movement in the Cagayan Valley. Sadly he was eventually caught by the Japanese, tortured and beheaded.
Lt. Col. Kalakuka and a number of other American prisoners were held in that area. In October he was hospitalized in the town of Bayombong suffering from cerebral malaria. Lt. Col. Ted Kalakuka died on 31 October 1942. He was given a military funeral by the Japanese and his driver, Sgt. Eugene L. Vos, was a member of the guard of honor. "The fact that even the Japanese respected the bravery and honor of the heroic colonel was evidenced by the rare honor of a U.S. military funeral accorded him by the Japanese Army." Lt. Col. Kalakuka was first buried in the Catholic cemetery in town. His family did not receive notice of his death until three years later.
After the war his body was reinterred in 7749 USAF Cemetery, Santa Barbara #1, Philippine Islands – Row 105, Grave 5548 (D-D No. 2403). During the fall of 1947 his remains (along with 5,195 other American soldiers) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (sister, Mrs Catherine K. Kranick), Lieutenant Colonel Theodore R. Kalakuka was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot D, Row 1, Grave 157.
Awards: Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart. In May, 1946, President Truman awarded the Silver Star and two Oak Leaf clusters posthumously to Col. Kalakuka. The honors were presented to his widow by Gen. Sharp.
His widow, Marion Ross Kalakuka had remarried to Norman F. Godbe by 1946.
He had enlisted in the 109th Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, in January 1921. Ted was assigned to Howitzer Company. He gained, through competitive examination entrance into the U.S. Military Academy on 02 July 1923. Ted (by then a Corporal) was recommended to the Academy by his commanding officer, Captain Ellsworth Kelly.
Cadet Kalakuka was the first Ukrainian graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point – Class of 1927. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant (S/N O-16841) in the Cavalry on 14 June 1927 (the day he graduated).
September 1927 – "Lieutenant Theodore R. Kalakuka, Cavalry First Machine Gun Squadron, Corps Area, has left for Fort Clark, Texas, to report to General Eltinge for duty. Lieutenant Kalakuka graduated from West Point Military Academy in June. He was accompanied on his trip by his sister, Miss Olga Kay Kalakuka, who will spend her vacation in Texas." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, 07 September 1927, page 6.
Theodore Kalakuka (25, says New York but should be New Jersey) appears in the 1930 United States Federal Census (14 April 1930) for Fort Brown, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas (sheet 7A, line 19). He was an officer in the U.S. Army.
He graduated from Signal School and Communication Officers' Course in 1931.
He graduated from Cavalry School Training Officers' Course in 1933. Second Lt. Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to First Lieutenant 01 May 1933.
October 1933 – Lt. Kalakuka was commanding officer of the Civilian Conservation Corps for the Iowa Lake Region first at Spencer, Iowa then the camp moved to Milford, Iowa.
He graduated from QuarterMaster Corps School in Philadelphia in 1935. On 30 June 1935, 1st Lt. Theodore Kalakuka assumed new duties at the Washington D.C. Quartermaster depot.
Theodore Kalakuka (30) married Marion F. Ross (21) on 15 April 1936 in the District of Columbia. They had two daughters: Page Kalakuku (1937-2005) and Christine Kalakuka (1940-2007).
Theodore Kalakuka, Cavalry, was promoted to Captain on 14 June 1937. He was transferred to the Quartermaster Corps on 02 March 1938.
1939 Washington, District of Columbia, City Directory – Theodore Kalakuka r 3613 Wisconsin av.
Theodore Kalakuka (34 New Jersey) is found in the 1940 United States Federal Census (06 April 1940) for Arlington, Virginia (sheet 2B, household 40, 1330 North Harrison Street) along with his wife, Marion R. Kalakuka (25 Alaska) and daughter, Page R. Kalakuka (2 District of Columbia). He had completed more than 5 years of college, Marion had finished 2 years of college. They had lived in D.C. in 1935. Ted was a clerk for the federal government.
He graduated from the Army Ind. College in 1940 and was transferred to the Philippines with assignment as plans officer and executive officer for the Quartermaster General, U.S. Army Forces, Far East. He sailing from New York on 14 September 1940. His family accompanied him to Manila.
He was appointed Major in the U.S. Army on 31 January 1941.
With the possibility of war looming on the horizon, dependents were ordered to leave the Philippines. Marion R. Kalakuku (26, 18 August 1914, Chilcoot Bks, Alaska) and their two daughters, Page Kalakuku (3, 19 November 1937, District of Columbia) and Christina Kalakuku (1, 07 April 1940, District of Columbia), left Manila, P.I. on 05 May 1941 and arrived in New York, New York on 11 June 1941 aboard the U.S.A.T. Republic. They moved back to Arlington.
The outbreak of war on 08 December 1941 and the implementation of WPO-3 gave the Quartermaster Corps very little time to get rations and supplies out of Manila. MacArthur order the department to first provide Fort Mills with supplies sufficient for six months which they were able to do (via barges). Next they focused on the problem of supplying Bataan.
Kalakuka was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army on 19 December 1941 and by 24 December 1941 was in charge of the evacuation to Bataan. The troops departure from Manila was so fast that they were not able to put into operation any of their withdraw plans. Lt. Col. Kalakuka ended up just telling leaving units to grab what supplies they could as they retreated
Silver Star – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of the Mariveles-Bagac Road, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on 29 January, 1942. During an enemy aerial attack Lt. Col. Kalakuka observed a wounded soldier lying in a position fully exposed to further aircraft fire. Without regard to his personal safety and although enemy bombers were still active in the vicinity, he emerged from shelter and carried the casualty to a covered position, administering first aid and standing by until the arrival of a medical officer."
First Oak Leaf Cluster – "In recognition of the following act of gallantry occurring at Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on Jan. 4, 1942. Learning that a fire had been started in the vicinity of the North Dock as a result of a severe enemy aerial bombardment. Lt. Col. Kalakuka, on his own initiative, left the bomb shelter before "all clear" signal had sounded and proceeded to the burning area where he took immediate action to save valuable and important equipment and supplies. This courageous officer persisted in his efforts despite the hazards of exploding ammunition and the threat of explosion and fire from a large fuel oil storage tank in the immediate vicinity of the conflagration. This gallant and conscientious exploit resulted in the preservation of a large amount of much needed supplies and military equipment."
Second Oak Leaf Cluster – "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Agoloma Bay, Bataan, Philippines Islands, on Jan. 24, 1942. During an attack to expel an enemy landing party, Lt. Col. Kalakuka, who was engaged in a reconnaissance of the general area, voluntarily joined in the attack when he learned that the company commander had been wounded and that the company was without an officer. This gallant officer assisted in reorganizing stragglers, and in the face of heavy enemy small arms, mortar fire, and despite a wound received in the action, demonstrated courage and leadership in proceeding through heavy jungle terrain to a position within 20 yards of the enemy line. Lt. Col. Kalakuka's example of courage and leadership was a significant factor in the ultimate success of the attack."
On 09 April 1942, Bataan fell and 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers became prisoners of war the Japanese.
"The last days on Corregidor were marked by death and destruction as artillery shells rained in from gun emplacements on the surrounding Bataan Peninsula and constant air strikes left only rubble on the surface. The last stand shelter left intact was Malinta Tunnel where 5000 men (1000 of them sick and wounded in the hospital laterals) and 58 women were crammed in the tunnels.
"May 6, 1942, with Japanese swarming over the northern end of the island and some forces already nearing the tunnel, Gen. Wainwright sent this message to the President: "With broken heart...I report...that today I must arrange terms for surrender of the fortified islands of Manila Bay...with profound regrets...I go to meet the Japanese commander."
"So during a lull in Japanese fire at 1:10 p.m., Gen. Wainwright went out of the tunnel under a white flag with a group of officers to negotiate a surrender. He was taken by boat to meet General Masaharu Homma, who refused to accept terms with the surrender of all American forces in the Philippines.
"Even while the fruitless negotiations were under way, the Japanese continued shelling the tunnel and other emplacements on the island. Inside the tunnel, Gen. Sharp had no way of knowing what had befallen Gen. Wainwright's party, assuming they had been taken prisoner or killed. The situation grew worse.
Recalling those final moments years later in Collier's Magazine, Gen. Sharp explained how, by a twist of fate, the final surrender of the complex fell to Col. Kalakuka.
"Standing in lateral No. 3, my headquarters as chief quartermaster," the general wrote, "I consulted with my executive officer, Col Kalakuka. A West Pointer, born of Ukrainian parents, he was fluent in five languages. He was ready to go out alone into the firing and make another try at surrender."
"The general recalled Kalakuka told him: "I have a hunch that some Jap officer out there, if I can find him, will talk one of my languages. I will explain the conditions and tell him we are ready."
"General Sharp recalled that he "reluctantly" agreed. After Kalakuka's plan was explained to the men in the tunnel, he made his wy past a sand bag barrier and out of the tunnel.
"Ten or more tense minutes passed in silence before Kalakuka returned, accompanied by a Japanese major and a Japanese lieutenant, who had been able to speak with Kalakuka in Russian.
With Kalakuka serving as interpreter, Gen. Sharp and the Japanese major worked out an agreement to safely evacuate the 5000 men and 50 women from the tunnel. The general wrote in Collier's that he had earlier feared a Japanese tank firing into the tunnel might have resulted in a mass slaughter.
"It was all over, and when Gen. Wainwright returned to Corregidor in the custody of the Japanese he found his men had already surrendered safely." Source: The Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania), Friday, 29 May 1970, pages 3 and 11.
In a matter of hours, the voice of General Wainwright came over the Japanese radio in Manila: "WE ARE 8,000 MILES FROM THE UNITED STATES. THERE HAS BEEN AND WILL BE NO REINFORCEMENTS. FURTHER RESISTANCE AND BLOODSHED ARE USELESS.
I ORDER ALL FIL-AMERICAN FORCES IN THE PHILIPPINES TO LAY DOWN ARMS
AND TO SURRENDER! WAINWRIGHT."
He sent the following officers to serve his "Surrender Orders," Colonel Jesse T. Trayvick Jr USA to Major General William F. Sharp, commander of the Visyayan-Mindanao Forces; Brig. General Guillermo B. Francisco to Southern Luzon & Bicol Regions and Lt. Col. Kalakuka USA to Lt. Col Guillermo Nakar Commander, 14th Infantry, in Cagayan Valley; These representatives of Gen. Wainwright traveled under a flag of truce and were accompanied by ranking Japanese officers and provided adequate land and air transportation.
"I have chosen Lt. Col. T. Kalakuka to find Colonel Nakar in the desolate guerrilla country of Northern Luzon. Colonel Kalakuka was one tough, vigorous soldier with considerable talent as a linguist. He was never heard of after he set out for Colonel Nakar." Source: This Is My Story" by Gen. Jonathan Wainwright
"When I arrived in Bayombong in October there were a dozen American POWs that included L. Col. E. Warner, original 14th Inf. CO and L. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, emissary of Gen. Wainright in the surrender process after the fall of Corregidor. Source: Diary of Ramon A. Alcaraz, 26 January 1943
"As I greeted Col. Warner and Major Minton, in walked another American from a different direction. Lt. Col. Theodore Kalakuka, QMC, Gen. Wainwright's G-4 from Manila, saying, "I've been sent here by General Wainwright." Ted had arrived in a Jap plane from Manila with a Japanese pass. He continued, "He has ordered all Fil-American troops to surrender. If any unit does not surrender, all of the captives on Corregidor will be severely punished..." Source: BLOOD BROTHERS - A Medic's Sketch Book by Colonel Eugene C. Jacobs (1985 Carlton Press, Inc., New York, N.Y), Chapter III MacArthur's First Guerrilla Regiment.
On 20 June Col. Warner officially surrendered the 14th Infantry to the Japanese. Col. Nakar chose not to surrender and became the leader of the guerrilla movement in the Cagayan Valley. Sadly he was eventually caught by the Japanese, tortured and beheaded.
Lt. Col. Kalakuka and a number of other American prisoners were held in that area. In October he was hospitalized in the town of Bayombong suffering from cerebral malaria. Lt. Col. Ted Kalakuka died on 31 October 1942. He was given a military funeral by the Japanese and his driver, Sgt. Eugene L. Vos, was a member of the guard of honor. "The fact that even the Japanese respected the bravery and honor of the heroic colonel was evidenced by the rare honor of a U.S. military funeral accorded him by the Japanese Army." Lt. Col. Kalakuka was first buried in the Catholic cemetery in town. His family did not receive notice of his death until three years later.
After the war his body was reinterred in 7749 USAF Cemetery, Santa Barbara #1, Philippine Islands – Row 105, Grave 5548 (D-D No. 2403). During the fall of 1947 his remains (along with 5,195 other American soldiers) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (sister, Mrs Catherine K. Kranick), Lieutenant Colonel Theodore R. Kalakuka was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot D, Row 1, Grave 157.
Awards: Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart. In May, 1946, President Truman awarded the Silver Star and two Oak Leaf clusters posthumously to Col. Kalakuka. The honors were presented to his widow by Gen. Sharp.
His widow, Marion Ross Kalakuka had remarried to Norman F. Godbe by 1946.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Pennsylvania.
Family Members
Siblings
