Book/News Clippings
The Major in this account is almost certainly James O'Donovan. Time and location are a fit with Abie Abraham's letter and also his book where he describes the Major setting fire to the cane fields. This account also agrees with family history which has it that grandfather was burned in the war. Also the portion of this statement which describes the major having (2) .38's agrees generally with a description of O'Donovan in "Bataan: Our last ditch" wherein he's described as carrying (2) .45's and a .38.
The author of this book was a medical doctor attached to the 2nd Batallion of the 31st Infantry Regiment and was near the front lines in charge of medics who would be dealing with battlefield injuries.
The offensive he mentions is the battle at Abucay Hacienda in Bataan.
The mention of "Fifty five" shells is probably in error. The Thompson sub machine gun shot .45 caliber rounds.
The mention of "Bell the Cat" is a reference to Aesops's Fables where the mice conspire to affix a bell to their enemy, the cat. In general it refers to a dangerous mission with great a reward.
Bill Miner did not serve with O'Donovan at any time but their paths crossed on several occasions .Lt Miner sailed to Manila on the same ship as Maj. O'Donovan (the Franklin Pierce) and they became friends enroute. In late June they debarked together. He also mentions meeting Jim O'Donovan on December 10th, soon after the Cavite Naval Yard was bombed.
Thanks to Mr Laiacona for sharing this article with the O'Donovan family
The Distinguished Service Cross citation award was issued with USAFFE General Orders #21 on Feb 7, 1942 and given the circumstances probably transferred by wire.
Regarding the wounding, MAJ O'Donovan was injured by grenade fragments on Jan 19th, 1942 while attacking the enemy in the vicinity of Abucay Hacienda in Bataan, and spent 3 days in the hospital. He received a Purple Heart for that. Upon returning to the field, he commanded the 31st Infantry Regiment's covering shell for the retreating forces along the Abucay line of resistance. For this heroic efforts he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Nation's second highest award for Valor.