US WWII USN POW Grouping, USS Canopus, Philippines 1942
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $295.00

Original era manufacture and photography. A nice grouping from a local Veteran who passed away in 1979. Lt. Derby served aboard the Submarine Tender, USS Canopus, then stationed in the Philippines in late 1941.Damaged by bombs during the early Japanese attacks, she stayed on station servicing her brood of subs. Damaged again, her crew took her out under her own power and scuttled their ship, keeping her out of the hands of the victories Japanese.The remaining crew served in the desperate last ditch fighting which occurred in the defenses around Bataan and Corregidor. The survivors then surrendered and were interned by the Japanese, many of the them dying in Philippine prison camps, or aboard Hell Ships bound for Japan and forced labor.Lt. Derby (then a Chief Yeoman's Mate), was one of the men who made it safely to the Japanese Home Islands, and was interned in a POW camp near Nagoya. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Edwin Derby Williams grouping. Awarded: Slot brooch Purple Heart, slot brooch Good Conduct with Silver Star for 6th award, slot brooch American Defense Medal with Fleet Bar, wrap brooch China Service Medal with Bronze Star, 2nd Award, crimp brooch Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 battle stars, crimp brooch American Campaign Medal, crimp brooch American Campaing Medal, crimp brooch Naval Occupation Service medal with Asia Bar, National Defense Medal, Philippines Defense Medal ribbon, Presidential Citation with Bronze Star and one with two Bronze Palms. His metal insignia and photograph.Extensive research included.