Walter W. Bezusko was born on October 11, 1923, in New Jersey. He was the son of William J. Bezusko and Julia M. Haynes Bezusko. He enlisted in the service on January 28, 1941. He served in the 27th Materiel Squadron, 20th Air Base Group, as a Private during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Pvt Bezusko 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.

Pvt Bezusko was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 9, 1942. He is now buried in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum, East Hanover, Morris County, New Jersey, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com