WWII Repatriation MAJ. O’Donovan

Hero Home!!!!!

82 years ago he died......Today 2 of his 5 children and family received their hero home! What a blessing!

MAJ. O’Donovan served with heroic distinction in the Philippines as part of the 31st Infantry Regiment. Along with many thousands of US military and Philippine military. He was captured and forced to march 90 arduous miles or more to the POW camps; all without sustenance or medical treatments. While in the POW camp, Maj. O’Donovan died of untreated illnesses. He was buried along with 2,700 others near the Cabanatuan POW Camp.

For his leadership, MAJ. O’Donovan received the Silver Star, Bronze Star w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart along with several other military recognitions. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

More than 80 years later, MAJ. O’Donovan’s remains were located, identified, repatriated and are soon to be interred in the hallowed grounds of Miramar National Cemetery.

His grandson, Steve Unwin, assembled a very poignant view into his grandad’s life, especially chronicling the heroism his grandad displayed throughout the battles and the painful POW ordeal until he succumbed. Steve’s biopic for his grandad is posted on the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. All are encouraged to view and share the life of an American hero, as documented by his grandson.
https://soledadmemorial.org/plaques/m...

An excerpt from the biography captures the very soul of MAJ. O’Donovan. Donald G. Thompson, a friend and fellow POW later wrote: “In agony he struggled to survive, knowing what his loss would do to his wife Evelyn and their five children”. Sadly, after months of starvation and untreated illness, the great beating heart of Major James J. O’Donovan finally gave out, ending the incredible saga of an American Hero.
#WWIIREPATRIATION #thegreatestgeneration #HonoringOurFallen