Gordon N. Larson, age 22, gave his life in service to his country on November 14, 1942, during World War II. A member of Battery B, 59th Coast Artillery Regiment, Gordon was stationed in the Philippines when Japanese forces invaded the islands in December 1941. After months of intense combat, the U.S. and Filipino forces were compelled to surrender on the Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island in early 1942.
Gordon was among the thousands of American and Filipino soldiers taken as prisoners of war. He endured the infamous 65-mile Bataan Death March a forced transfer that claimed the lives of more than 2,500 men and was later held in a prisoner of war camp, where he died. According to historical and military records, he was laid to rest in the camp cemetery.
After more than 80 years, Gordon has finally returned home to Seattle. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, he was brought back to his hometown, where he will be laid to rest near his beloved mother at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery.
A graveside service to honor Gordon’s life and sacrifice will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.
May his memory be eternal, and his courage never forgotten.
