Purple Heart Certificate/ Sgt. Russell E. Cunningham, C Co. 194th Tank Bn. Bataan Death March, died of disease 4-25-1942

[BeansEnHay]

I bought this from an antique dealer who was located 12 miles from Sgt. Cunningham’s hometown.  Although his date of death is May 8, 1944 (presumed), on his documents, I believe this is the official date his death was confirmed by the War Department through witnesses, and his pay and allowances stopped. The newspaper article at the bottom shows 33 of C Co. 194th survivors in April of 1946 during a local celebration. There were 47 survivors in all of the 105 they started the war with. I read Captain Moffett’s book, “Bataan Uncensored”.  It’s a wonder anyone survived captivity, let alone the march.

 

[BeansEnHay]

A better photo of Sgt. Cunningham and a few of his fellow tankers.

 

[dhcoleterracina]

What a great write-up. Well done keeping his memory, service and sacrifice alive.

[AxolotlHelmet]

Great document and write up! My great-grand uncle was actually part of Company B, 194th Tank Battalion (the one that got sent up to Alaska instead of the Philippines)!