Collins Edward P.

Name:

Edward P. Collins

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Serial Number:

6681298

Unit:

3rd Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group

Date of Death:

1942-05-02

State:

New York

Cemetery:

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines

Plot:

L

Row:

17

Grave:

47

Decoration:

Purple Heart

Comments:

Edward P. Collins was born in New York. He enlisted in the Army on September 6, 1939. He served in the 3rd Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, as a Technical Sergeant during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, TSgt Collins was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

TSgt Collins was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 2, 1942. He is now buried in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Source of information: www.livescience.com