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PA HR335
Resolution
Status
10/7/2025
Primary Sponsor
David Maloney
Click for details
AI Summary
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William J. McMichael, born June 30, 1905, in Boyertown, Berks County, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1922 at age 17 and reenlisted in 1932, serving as a Warrant Officer Junior Grade stationed in the Philippines
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McMichael survived the Bataan Death March in April 1942, where 72,000-78,000 U.S. and Filipino prisoners marched 65 miles over 11 days, and was subsequently held at the Cabanatuan prison camp
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On January 9, 1945, McMichael died along with 424 other American POWs when U.S. carrier planes attacked the unmarked Japanese "hell ship" Enoura Maru, whose crews were unaware the vessel was transporting prisoners of war
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His remains were interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific for over seven decades until disinterment in October 2017, with DNA identification confirmed on April 3, 2025, at Offutt Lab, Nebraska
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McMichael's remains arrived in Berks County on October 2, 2025, with full military honors, and he was laid to rest at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on October 7, 2025, having earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War Medal among other decorations
Legislative Description
Honoring the life and legacy of United States Army Air Forces Warrant Officer William J. McMichael, expressing condolences to his family and commending with gratitude and respect the recovery and return of his remains.
Last Action
Laid on the table
10/8/2025