Gervaise Swain was born on August 12, 1921, in Virginia. He was the son of Jack Cephief Swain and Sallie Kate Swain. He served in the Headquarters Squadron, 27th Bomber Group, Light, as a Corporal during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Cpl Swain 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.

Cpl Swain was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on June 1, 1944. He is now buried in the Elmira Cemetery, Spring Hill, Gregg County, Texas, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com