WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. - Decades after he served America in the Pacific during World War II, Daniel Crowley has been recognized with the awards and honors he never received.
Crowley was awarded an honorary Combat Infantry Badge for his actions in the Philippines fighting the Japanese, as well as the Prisoner of War Medal, during a ceremony at the Bradley International Airport's Air National Guard hanger in Connecticut last week.
He was also promoted to the rank of sergeant, something he had earned but never been formally advanced during his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps and in the 4th Marines Regimental Reserve.
During the war, Crowley spent three and a half years as a POW, both in the Philippines and Japan.
Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, Gregory Slavonic, presided over the ceremony, saying, "It takes a very special person to continue to persevere through the most daunting of circumstances. It takes a certain depth of character to put yourself into harm’s way for your fellow warriors and for your country."
Crowley has a special connection to Hampton Roads.
He's served as an informal ambassador to the Norfolk-based USS Bataan, visiting several times and inspiring the crew with his experiences.
