Taroisio Brazao “Mac” Machado was born on September 23, 1902. He was the husband of Maria Maud Ball Machado Schmidt and the father of James Edward Machado. He served in the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, as a Technical Sergeant during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, TSgt Machado 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.

TSgt Machado was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on August 20, 1942. He is now buried in the Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Hampton City, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com