Robert L. Doolan was born on June 18, 1917, in Barre, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was the son of Charles Francis Doolan and Eudora M. Doolan. He was employed as a laboratory chemist before enlisting in the service in 1940. He served in the 3rd Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, as a Sergeant during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Sgt Doolan 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.

Sgt Doolan was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 1, 1942. He is now buried in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Source of information: www.livescience.com