Wainwright, Jonathan Mayhew (1883-1953), was an American general whose courage made him a hero of World War II. After General Douglas MacArthur was ordered to leave the Philippines and go to Australia in March 1942, Wainwright remained in command of the American and Filipino forces on Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor. He was forced to surrender in May 1942 and was held a prisoner for three years by the Japanese. Wainwright was released in 1945 and participated in the surrender ceremony of the Japanese delegates aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. On his return to the United States, Wainwright was promoted to full general and awarded the Medal of Honor.
Wainwright was born on Aug. 23, 1883, in Walla Walla, Washington, and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1906. He became a cavalry officer and served in the Philippines in 1909 and 1910. During World War I, he served on the general staff of the 82nd Division in France. After World War II, he commanded the Fourth Army. He retired in August 1947. He died on Sept. 2, 1953.
