
In December 1941, Japanese forces invaded the islands. The ground echelon, pressed into service as an infantry, taking part in intense fighting on the Bataan peninsula. They surrendered on April 9, 1942, and Curran, Calvi, and Swartz were among the thousands captured. After surviving the 65-mile Bataan Death March, they were placed in the notorious Cabanatuan POW camp. Conditions at the camp were inadequate, including deficient food and water which ended up leading to malnutrition and outbreaks of malaria and dysentery. With More than 2,500 perished at the camp during the war, including Calvi, age 23, on July 16, 1942, Swartz, age 21, on Sept. 23, 1942, and Curran, age 20, on Nov. 24, 1942. They were buried with other deceased prisoners in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery in common graves. (Courtesy photos)