I am searching for information about the uncle of my deceased husband. His name was
William (Bud) James White.
He was in the
army and was in the Bataan Death March. He was on one of the
unmarked prison ships being sent to Japan that was sunk by US planes.
None of my husbands family who would have any information is
still living. This uncle was the only person in my husbands
life, as a child, who really cared for him and my husband was
devastated by his death. We named one of our sons for Bud and he
wants very much to have his service record or more information about
this man. I feel as if I knew him myself.
I do not have a Social Security number or even know the year
he went into the army. It could have been from NM or CA.
He was born in 1920 in Ethel, Macon Co, MO and grew up in Albuquerque,
NM. I can give you the name of his father and mother if that
would help. This is probably a little like looking for a needle
in a haystack.
After the war was over, an officer came to see my mother-in-law and
told her about how he had tried to help others who were to sick or hurt
to get food for themselves. He was put in a hole in the ground
several times for long periods for the things he did to help others.
I wish I could remember the name of that officer,
I hope you can give me some suggestions that might help in this search.
Shirley Taylor,
E-Mail:
STaylorCal@aol.com
Fred Baldassarre, one of our Resource Specialists responded with this message:
Your request for information on William J.
White was forwarded to me.
Here is what I have:
PFC William J. White
SS# 19044343
Unit: 409th Signal Corp.
Last Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date of Birth: 2/14/17
Date of Death: 10/24/44
Perished on the Arisan Maru
I know a vet who served with the 409th Signal Corp. There very few of
them. They were in the Lamao sector of Bataan, during the defense of
Bataan, operating in communications. I do not know if he remembers
William J. White, but he might. I will e-mail him to ask him if he
remembers him and if he does, I will ask him if he would mind speaking
with you.
Also, I have some memoir material on the early days of the 409th Signal
Corp, in Clark Field, before the war and in Lamao. I will need a
little time, but I could dig it up and send it to you.
Feel free to e-mail me anytime.
Take Care,
Fred
Shirley Taylor responded:
Your response, Father Bob and that of Fred took me so by
surprise, I was shaking so much I couldn't hardly type out an answer. My
whole family is just amazed. Just to know what ship that Bud was on was more
than we ever expected. We are so grateful for this information and for all your help.
Shirley Taylor
237 Vista Conejo
Newbury Park, CA 91320
805-376-2574
E-Mail:
STaylorCal@aol.com