Do You Know the Story of the ‘Baby of Bataan’ One of WW2’s Youngest Soldiers and POWs?
Joseph Johnson was a child when he enlisted in the U.S. military in 1940. This unusual story is why he was nicknamed the “Baby of Bataan” after his World War II service came out. He signed up fibbing about his age only to be thrust into an unexpected nightmare after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
After convincing an Army recruiter that he was 18, Johnson was sent to the Philippines as part of the 31st U.S. Infantry Regiment stationed in Manila. After completing basic training, he was assigned to Company D, heavy weapons, as a machine gunner. He also became the bugler even though he didn’t know how to play.
Once the attack on Pearl Harbor forced the U.S fully into World War II, things changed again for Joseph. Manila fell quickly, and U.S. forces fell back to the Bataan Peninsula. Since The 31st Infantry Regiment was vital to defending Bataan, Joseph spent his 15th birthday battling on the front lines. On May 6, 1942, Johnson became a P.O.W. and didn’t see freedom until he was 19.
After WWII, Joseph continued his military career and even fought in Korea where he sustained an injury from enemy gunfire. Still, he continued to serve until his medical retirement in 1962. Read more about the impressive career of the “Baby of Bataan” here.
If you thought this story was interesting, you’ll want to read the tragic story of the 12-year-old WWII Purple Heart recipient.
We believe in giving back to those Americans who gave so much during World War 2 and the Korean War. That is why we support life-changing legislation through a bill we call The Greatest Generation Benefits Act. Please take a moment to learn more about this bill and sign our petition to Congress here.
