The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today [March 7, 2025] that U.S. Army Major James J. O'Donovan, 34, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, was accounted for Feb. 4, 2024. In late 1942, O'Donovan was a member [Executive Officer] of 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942. Thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members were captured and interned at POW camps. O'Donovan was among those reported captured when U.S. forces in Bataan surrendered to the Japanese. They were subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and then held at the Cabanatuan POW Camp #1. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp during the war. According to prison camp and other historical records, O'Donovan died on Oct. 18, 1942, and was buried in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery in Grave 649.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major James J. O'Donovan (ASN: 0-294421), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces from 20 to 24 January 1942, in the vicinity of Abucay Hacienda, Philippine Islands. Major O'Donovan's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
He is Laos remembered on the Wall f the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines.