Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Medal of Honor Captain Bianchi Finally Identified for Burial

12/14/2025

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

World War II U.S. Army Captain Willibald Bianchi survived two chest wounds, the Bataan Death March, and captivity.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously after U.S. warplanes killed him during an attack on a POW ship off Taiwan in January 1945.
His remains were identified after recovery in 1946 and will be buried in New Ulm, Minnesota, in May 2026.
The account notes wartime miscommunication's tragic consequences.

1 of 1

Story summary

World War II U.S. Army Captain Willibald Bianchi survived two chest wounds, the Bataan Death March, and captivity.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously after U.S. warplanes killed him during an attack on a POW ship off Taiwan in January 1945.
His remains were identified after recovery in 1946 and will be buried in New Ulm, Minnesota, in May 2026.
The account notes wartime miscommunication's tragic consequences.