Hubert Whitney Ketchum was born on August 14, 1901, in Columbia Barracks, Cuba. He was the son of Hubert Whitney Ketchum and Alice Elizabeth Morgan Ketchum. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1925. He served in the 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, as a Lieutenant Colonel during World War II.

LTC Ketchum was killed in action during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941 and was subsequently reported Missing in Action. He was officially declared dead on December 24, 1941. His name is memorialized in the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Silver Star Citation:

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Hubert Whitney Ketchum (ASN: 0-16197), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Cavalry, Philippine Scouts, in action against the enemy during the defense of the Philippine Islands, in December 1941. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Ketchum, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, valor.militarytimes.com