Donovan Ricks' Biographical Sketch


    Graduated from St. Maries High School at St. Maries, Idaho, in May 1939.   Joined Idaho CCC's and then enlisted in the Army 16 March 1940 at Ft George Wright, Spokane, Washington.   Took basic Infantry training with 4th Infantry Regiment, Third division at Ft Wright.   Worked in station hospital and as aid man.   Was sent to the Philippines Sept. 1941; Stationed at Ft. William McKinley PI with Philippine Scouts.   Worked in the Dispensary holding sick call for Scouts and the 31st Infantry Service Co.


    Delivered my first baby at dispensary Nov. 41.   At the beginning of war was assigned as aid man.   Was one of the last medics out of Manila on 31st of Dec.   Was on Bataan.   Got sick and was sent to Gen Hosp #2 at Limay which was my old outfit from McKinley. Stayed with them till my capture 8 April.


    Left Bataan May 10 for Bilibid.   Moved to Cabanatuan 1st June 1942,   One the first medic's to set up prison Hospital.   Left Cabanatuan On the Noto Maru in Sept.   was sent to Kemptai Headquarters Camp Omori Tokyo Japan.   Was there at the fire bombing of Tokyo.   Was brutally beaten by Watenabe two times in two days, that's a long story.


    On August 18 was sent to duty in camp Dispensary under American control.   Lt Goodman MD was in charge.   Was great to be a medic again.   28th August 1945 helped sick POWs from Shinagawa hospital to hospital ship in Tokyo bay.   Left Tokyo after signing of Surrender By Japanese.   Stayed in Philippines till 1 Oct.   Got home 10 Oct 1945, was discharged on 6 May 1946.   Served in Korea 1953-54; Left Japan March 1956.


    Donovan Ricks