Lt. Thomas “Jimmy” Crotty was inurned at the Academy’s Columbarium, Oct. 15.
A 1934 graduate from the Academy, Crotty went on to lead a prestigious military career including bravely aided in the defense of Corregidor amidst a Japanese bombardment of the island. For weeks U.S. troops, including some who were under Crotty’s command, persevered against the odds, though eventually the Japanese offensive overpowered the American troops and Corregidor fell.
Crotty was taken prisoner by the Japanese and sent to Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp where he passed away on July 19, 1942. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Abban)