Claude A. Thorp
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

From May 1942 until November 1943, Lieutenant Colonel Claude A. Thorp was serving in the 26th Cavalry, Philippine Scouts, with the Philippine Guerilla Forces in action against Japanese forces at Luzon, Philippine Islands. LTC Thorp’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism during that time earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

LTC Thorp was captured by the Japanese and, on 1 November 1943, was executed while in captivity at Bilibid Prison in the Philippine Islands.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Prisoner of War Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Claude A. Thorp (ASN: 0-15101), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Philippine Guerilla Forces, in action against enemy forces from May 1942 through November 1943, at Luzon, Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Thorp's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 263 (1946)

Memorialization

The remains of Lieutenant Colonel Claude A. Thorp have never been recovered. He is memorialized by having his name inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56785929/claude-a-thorp