American
Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor at 2010 Convention
This picture was taken in Reno at the Sierra Hotel during the April convention.
The early defense of the Philippines, including the Bataan Death March, and transfer of prisoners on "Hellships" to prison camps in Asia, are chapters that have been neglected in our history books and school curriculums.
Defenders of the Philippine Islands
from World War II remembered
Eddie Jackfert, Past National Commander, is a survivor of the Philippine capture by the Japanese. He began donating his materials to the Brooke County Public Library in Wellsburg, West Virginia on September 13, 2002, initiating military related donations from other ADBC members and their families.
Mr. Jackfert and his wife Henrietta
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Other Special Collections
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| Abie Abraham | Lester Tenney, Present National Commander | Major Ralph Levenberg, PNC |
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| Joseph Vater, PNC | Richard Winter | Frank Shannon |
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| Anton Bilek | Dick Francies | Col. John E. Olson |
Abie Abraham (Sergeant Master); Joseph L. Alexander; Ed Jackfert(PNC) Joseph Vater (PNC); Dr, Lester Tenney (PNC);Major Ralph Levenberg (PNC), Max Kissel;Frank Shannon; Colonel John Olsen (Philippine Scouts); Richard Winter; Richard Francies; Anton Bilek
The ADBC collections are growing on a weekly basis.
The American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor has the largest collection of documents, photos, and maps relating to the early defense (1941-42) of Bataan and Corregidor and subsequent capture in the WWII Pacific Theater and is the only repository devoted mainly to the ADBC membership.
"Our nation seems to have forgotten to recognize those distinguished heroes who fought so gallantly defending the Philippine islands at the outbreak of World War II. Their story must be told because of their courage and heroism. Their victory was measured in their survival, and in maintaining their faith and loyalty to our nation, when the reward for maintaining loyalty was continued starvation and death. Their strong heart, great spirit, and unyielding faith served as an inspiration to the rest of our nation. They placed their honor before everything else, even before a whole self. They absorbed with their bodies the blows that were intended for our nation and its people, and they sacrificed their own freedom for the freedom of the world. And finally, they returned from their service, regained their rightful place in society and strengthened their families, their communities, and our nation through their example of courage. Our nation owes them a debt that can never be repaid--they must not, and should not be forgotten."--Eddie Jackfert
Dissertation of America's forgotten heroes and Information on Senate Bill S3107
U.S. Legislation Link to Congressional Bills (Thomas Library of Congress)