Army Major honored at Miramar National Cemetery, decades after death in World War II ...Middle East

A U.S. Army major who lost his life in World War II as a prisoner of war has been laid to rest with full military honors at Miramar National Cemetery.

Major James J. O’Donovan, of Cohoes, New York, was honored Tuesday at the national cemetery, more than 80 years after his death.

O’Donovan was a battalion commander with the famed 31st U.S. Infantry Regiment who survived the 60-mile Bataan Death March. He died while being held at the Cabanatuan POW camp in the Philippines.

His remains, long unidentified, were recently recovered and confirmed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, bringing long-awaited closure to his family and community.

Among those who gathered at the service were his daughter, Gail Unwin, and grandsons Steve and John, who long stayed connected with military leaders in hopes that his remains could be found.

As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, the Patriot Guard Riders – a volunteer group of motorcycle escorts comprised of veterans and patriots – escorted the hearse, with flags flying in tribute.

The U.S. Army Honor Guard participated in O’Donovan’s service, and after the ceremonial transfer of the flag-draped casket, a rifle team delivered a traditional three-volley salute, followed by “Taps” played live on the trumpet. The folded flag was then presented to Gail Unwin by a uniformed Army representative.

“To see him honored like this — with the flag, the salutes, the rifle volleys — it was overwhelming,” said Steve Unwin. “It was the homecoming he never got. It means the world to our family, and it’s something I’ll carry with me forever. My grandfather’s story will live on through my children, and their children.”

John Unwin reflected on the moment’s impact: “Growing up, we knew he was a hero, but this … this brought it full circle. To stand at his gravesite and hear ‘Taps’ play for him – it made his story real. It brought him home to all of us.”

O’Donovan enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 1927 at just 16 years old. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1933 and served as a professor of Military Science at LaSalle Institute in Troy, New York.

After the U.S. entered World War II, he was assigned to the 389th Infantry Regiment, 98th Division, Organized Reserve, before deploying to the Philippines as Executive Officer with the 31st Infantry Regiment.

He was wounded in combat against Japanese forces and later earned the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism during a four-day battle at Abucay Hacienda, Bataan. His leadership helped three depleted companies hold the line and withdraw under heavy fire.

Despite his injuries, he returned to duty and was captured when Bataan fell.

He endured the Bataan Death March, surviving the 60-mile forced trek with thousands of other Americans and Filipinos, only to face confinement at Camp O’Donnell and later Cabanatuan POW Camp. O’Donovan died due to illness and malnourishment in 1942.

In addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, his military decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. After his death, a facility, the Maj. James J. O’Donovan U.S. Army Reserve Center in Albany, New York, was named in his honor.

He is remembered not only for his bravery, but also for the words he reportedly shared before his death — a statement that has echoed through generations of his family:

“I don’t know a better reason to die than for your country.”

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