Thomas M. O'Laughlin was born on May 22, 1920, in New Martinsville, Wetzel County, West Virginia. He was the son of Thomas J. O'Laughlin and Mary Rose Martin O'Laughlin. He served in the 803rd Engineer Battalion, Aviation, as a Private during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Pvt O'Laughlin 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 O'Laughlin was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 13, 1942. He is now buried in the Northview Cemetery, New Martinsville, Wetzel County, West Virginia, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com