Looking for someone who knew my father
 James J. "Jimmie" McKenzie

    I know so little, even though I have so much information.   I know that the records say he left Shanghai on the "Harrison", (was demoted several times in Shanghai for wearing civvies and being out after curfew).  He was sent to Olongapo, PI, on the "Harrison" on December 7, 1941.   Was at: Mariveles, on Dec 24th,'41; At Corregidor, Dec 28th,'41; and in hands of enemy, May 6, '42.


    Next stamp in the record is: "Prisoner of War and Missing" June 19, 1942; .... the original printed text gets "difficult" at that point, although it appears that the character, "J" and "d" occur directly next to each other, as in "Jd" then: Hdqtrs. Co., 2nd Bn. 4th Marines, Mar 23, 1942 also he was rated Specialist, 4th Class on Mar 23, 1942, after having had the 5th class "revoked" on Apr 18, 1942.

    The next pages are related to a Silver Star Citation.  This Citation page is a simple typewritten page, saying that Dad: "displayed gallantry in action on 13 April 1942 following a heavy Japanese artillery barrage upon Battery James, Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands."
    "When personnel of the battery were trapped as they sought shelter in nearby tunnels, he readily volunteered, although the position was under close enemy observation and steady fire, to rescue his comrades!

    Disregarding the imminent danger of collapsing walls and roofs Sergeant McKenzie heroically entered the tunnels, assisted in extricating trapped soldiers, and gave first aid to the wounded."

    (When did they make him SERGEANT?   Was that one of those deals:-- "he is the only guy in here who is alive and can BE the sergeant?"


    APPROVED by WD on 21 Jan 47
    Station: Corregidor
    Present Station: Inactive
    Home Address:
    4893 Margaretta Ave., St. Louis, Mo.

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    I am trying to piece together a history I neither lived, nor ever heard about from my Father.  Except for the ADBC, I would never have understood what information I DO HAVE -- some of which is in Japanese.
    "My thanks to all of you!"

    Michele
    Email Address: meesher@mindspring.com