Veterans' Memorial Project

James Earle Bickerton

Chicago, IL

World War II

College: Liberal Arts & Sciences

Graduation Year: 1938

Service Branch: Army

Rank: Major

Date of Birth: 01/08/1914

Date of Death: 12/15/1944

Affiliations: Pershing Rifles; Cavalry Officers Club; Freshman Varsity Fencing Squad; First Lieutenant, University Brigade; Honors Day (3)

Major Bickerton served with the 26th U.S. Cavalry, Philippine Scouts. He died in the sinking of the Oryoku Maru (Japanese Prison Ship)in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. The ship was carrying Prisoners of War when it was attacked by American planes. The Japanese abandoned ship but left the POWs on board. The next morning the Japanese told them to swim to shore. It was only when the pilots saw the large number of men climbing out of the holds that they stopped the attack. They realized it was a POW ship.

– submitted by James Opolony; information taken from University and public records

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