Cadet Captain Berry Connor
General Wainwright, Hero of Bataan, was second in command to General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines at the beginning of WWII in the Pacific. MacArthur was ordered by higher command to leave the Philippines and go to Australia. MacArthur left Wainwright in command. American troops were no match for the Japanese at that stage of the war. Wainwright moved American troops to the Philippine Island of Bataan in the early stage of the fighting. Wainwright had to surrender to an overwhelming Japanese Force. Wainwright survived the "Bataan Death March" and spent the entire war as a prisoner of war. He survived as a prisoner of war, but his health was severely impaired. This is obvious in the pictures below. His visit to WMA was 3 years after the war ended. Wainwright was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in WWII.
The General arrives on campus
(Below) The General, Col R. L. Jackson on his left, General's Aide on his right, followed by Col Persing - Headmaster, Col Moore - Commandant and WMA PMS&T
The Party approaching front lawn
Lunch in Col Jackson's living quarters. Note Cadet Waiter.
Viewing a picture of "Butch" O'Hare, the WMA alumnus who received The Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in WWII as a Navy Pilot. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. O'Hare Airport Chicago is named in his honor. The General is flanked by Col R. L. Jackson and the General's Aide.
"Butch" O'Hare
(A slightly different version than the one in "Butch O'Hare" above). In the South Pacific Butch was returning early from a mission due to airplane mechanical problems. He encountered a sortie of Japanese Bombers by accident. He shot down most of them. He thought nothing of it, but his onboard cameras filmed the action. When the film was reviewed he was recommended for The Congressional Medal Of Honor. He returned to the States on leave. He recieved a hero's welcome in both towns he claimed as home, St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL. He returned to duty in the South Pacific. On a night mission he never returned to his aircraft carrier. He was obviously shot down and KIA. It is believed he was shot down by friendly fire in the confusion of the night mission.
Cadets in full dress parade honoring General Wainwright
The General reviews the parade. Note Col R. L. Jackson's two sons in the reviewing party.
Company Commanders and Batallion Commander Major Joe Dugan, far right, visit with the General.
This ends the account of a memorable and historic visit to WMA by General Jonathon M. Wainwright, US Army.
Web-Counter
says that you are visitor number
Forsberg's Original WMA Web Page |
Forsberg's Updated WMA Web Page |
See Conrad Kirby's '63 web page for future WMA Reunions |
Brig Gen Paul W. Tibbets Exhibit |
A quick look at one Cadets time at Western |
A researched history of WMA |
One Cadet reminisces |
Just Pictures |
1993 Muster, St. Louis, MO |
Four Spiritual Laws |
You Are Special |
HOME |
The General arrives on campus
(Below) The General, Col R. L. Jackson on his left, General's Aide on his right, followed by Col Persing - Headmaster, Col Moore - Commandant and WMA PMS&T
The Party approaching front lawn
Lunch in Col Jackson's living quarters. Note Cadet Waiter.
Viewing a picture of "Butch" O'Hare, the WMA alumnus who received The Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in WWII as a Navy Pilot. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. O'Hare Airport Chicago is named in his honor. The General is flanked by Col R. L. Jackson and the General's Aide.
(A slightly different version than the one in "Butch O'Hare" above). In the South Pacific Butch was returning early from a mission due to airplane mechanical problems. He encountered a sortie of Japanese Bombers by accident. He shot down most of them. He thought nothing of it, but his onboard cameras filmed the action. When the film was reviewed he was recommended for The Congressional Medal Of Honor. He returned to the States on leave. He recieved a hero's welcome in both towns he claimed as home, St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL. He returned to duty in the South Pacific. On a night mission he never returned to his aircraft carrier. He was obviously shot down and KIA. It is believed he was shot down by friendly fire in the confusion of the night mission.
Cadets in full dress parade honoring General Wainwright
The General reviews the parade. Note Col R. L. Jackson's two sons in the reviewing party.
Company Commanders and Batallion Commander Major Joe Dugan, far right, visit with the General.