Richard Joseph Beyer was born on March 15, 1919. He was the son of Orwin F. Beyer and Delia E. Chassee Beyer. He served in the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, as a Corporal during World War II. Please note that his headstone lists his rank as Technician 3rd Grade rather than Corporal.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Cpl Beyer was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

Cpl Beyer was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 1, 1942. He is now buried in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Rock Island County, Illinois, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com