Samuel Stenzler was born in Tluste, Poland (then part of Austria) and immigrated to the United States as a child. He married and resided in San Antonio, Texas, applying for American citizenship in 1909. Stenzler registered for the draft in World War I, listing his occupation as "Soldier (Discharged)." After the death of his wife, he rejoined the United States Army on February 27, 1940, and was assigned to Company C, 31st Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Division, the premier American fighting unit in the Philippines. The 31st Regiment fought in the Battles of Layac (January 6, 1942) and Abucay Hacienda (January 17-24, 1942). C Company renamed the Abucay battlefield "Dead Men's Hill" because of their losses and the high number of Japanese casualties. The 31st Infantry Regiment fought a delaying action through April 1942 but was short of food, ammunition, and reinforcements throughout the campaign; the unit never had more than 60% of its authorized strength available. Company C surrendered on April 9, 1942 with the rest of the 31st Regiment when United States Army Major General Edward P. King capitulated the Bataan peninsula. Stenzler died at Camp O'Donnell on May 26, 1942, probably because of starvation, constant physical and mental abuse, and overwork. His remains were repatriated and reburied at Long Island National Cemetery on October 18, 1949.
Contributor: Andy (48021049) • [email protected]

Samuel Stenzler was born in Tluste, Poland (then part of Austria) and immigrated to the United States as a child. He married and resided in San Antonio, Texas, applying for American citizenship in 1909. Stenzler registered for the draft in World War I, listing his occupation as "Soldier (Discharged)." After the death of his wife, he rejoined the United States Army on February 27, 1940, and was assigned to Company C, 31st Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Division, the premier American fighting unit in the Philippines. The 31st Regiment fought in the Battles of Layac (January 6, 1942) and Abucay Hacienda (January 17-24, 1942). C Company renamed the Abucay battlefield "Dead Men's Hill" because of their losses and the high number of Japanese casualties. The 31st Infantry Regiment fought a delaying action through April 1942 but was short of food, ammunition, and reinforcements throughout the campaign; the unit never had more than 60% of its authorized strength available. Company C surrendered on April 9, 1942 with the rest of the 31st Regiment when United States Army Major General Edward P. King capitulated the Bataan peninsula. Stenzler died at Camp O'Donnell on May 26, 1942, probably because of starvation, constant physical and mental abuse, and overwork. His remains were repatriated and reburied at Long Island National Cemetery on October 18, 1949.
Contributor: Andy (48021049) • [email protected]