Video

Video by Airman 1st Class Justin Todd

DEL 7 Bataan Death March

Space Base Delta 1

April 1, 2024 | 0:50

Space Delta 7 - Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance recently participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March to remember the 60,000-80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war who were forced to march through the Philippines.
On April 9, 1942, the U.S. and Filipino soldiers surrendered after seven months of battle combined with exposure to the extreme elements, disease, and lack of vital supplies. The thousands of U.S. and Filipino soldiers were forced to become prisoners of war. The POWs were then forced to march through tropical conditions, enduring heat, humidity, and rain without adequate medical care. They suffered from starvation, having to sleep in the harsh conditions of the Philippines. The prisoners unable to make it through the march were beaten and killed.
Today, on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the more than half a million service members who sacrificed their freedom as prisoners of war in order to defend freedom for their fellow Americans. We remember and reflect on their service and the sacrifices they made.