LTC. Robert B. Lapham (then Major), Infantry, Army of the United States. For extraordinary heroism in action in the Philippine Islands from 8 December 1941 to 7 May 1945. Major Lapham, selected to organize throughout the Philippine Islands prior to the fall of Bataan, continued his activities during the period of enemy occupation. Breaking up his unit into smaller bands in order to cover more territory, he operated in the provinces of Tarlac, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija collecting arms and volunteers and eliminating outlaw bands, his organization so effectively protected the civilian population from the common enemy and roving bandits, that he was able to enlist the aid of thousands of Filipinos for his forces. Establishing radio contact with General Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, in June 1944, he regularly submitted intelligence reports covering central Luzon. In the fall of 1944 he was able to enlarge his intelligence activities and increase his combat strength through supplies and equipment which came through the submarine service. Early in 1945, he conducted offensive operations against the enemy, cutting communication lines, ambushing troop convoys, and attacking garrisons and supply dumps. This fighting continued until the Americans had passed through the area occupied by the guerrilla troops, after which his entire force of approximately 12,000 men was made available to the Sixth Army. In the face of many hazards and extreme dangers, Major Lapham was able to organize and unify a strong guerrilla force in Luzon and by skillful planning, timely activities, and ceaseless efforts, he contributed in a material way to the success of operations in the Philippine Islands.

Mr. Lapham was a life member and resided in Arizona. He is the author of Lapham’s Raiders-Guerrillas in the Phillipines 1942-1945.