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Collingsworth Chronicles
Wellington mayor from Dozier served as a prisoner of war
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Philippines Day of Valor, Araw ng Kagitingan, is a national public holiday in the Philippines in honor of all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Filipino people. On April 9, 2025, an official ceremony took place at the Mount Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan, where Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presided over a wreathlaying ceremony.
John Coleman Jr. proudly wore his U.S. Army uniform. Floyd Killough Collection
Allied and Filipino forces surrendered April 9, 1942.
John Coleman Jr. came home to Collingsworth County, serving his county much like he did his country.
April 9 marked the annual commemoration known as the Day of Valor,or“Araw ng Kagitingan,”in the Philippines.On that date, in 1942, the Battle of Bataan ended when 63,000 Filipinos and 12,000 Americans surrendered to the Japanese. Seven of the Americans who were captured and made prisoner that day were from Collingsworth County. They were: G.D. Ashton, Dewey Hood, Jack McMillan, John Roy Nol...