Justo Dumlao

In April 1942, a then 27-year-old Justo Dumlao, a Philippine Scout, was captured at Orion, Bataan and forced to join the rest of the Allied prisoners in what is now known as the Bataan Death March. Dumlao survived the unimaginable atrocities that took place during the march, alongside members of Sixth U.S. Army, now designated as the U.S. Army South, in which Japanese troops provided little food and water and would frequently beat and bayonet those who fell behind.

Survivors of the infamous Death March were imprisoned in Camp O’Donnell. Camp O’Donnell was not much of an improvement for the survivors. Many more perished while others, including Dumlao, somehow managed to survive. In a political move to show the world they were humane, the Japanese agreed to let surviving Filipinos free in Jul 1942 with a promise not to wage war against the Japanese Imperial Army. Most freed Filipinos including Dumlao continued in undercover Guerilla operations, remaining in contact with US forces while an invasion was being planned to free the Philippines from Japanese control. He, along with other Alamo Scouts, played a role in what became known as the Great Raid, where US Army Rangers freed 503 Americans imprisoned at Cabanatuan. Among his cherished military awards is the Bronze Star he received for his role in that raid

Following the war, Dumlao became a U.S. citizen and member of the U.S. Army, retiring in February, 1965 at the highest enlisted rank at the time. He continued to serve the country until his retirement from Federal Civil Service in February 1993. After a combined 30 years of military and federal service he was awarded the rank of 1Lt Retired, the highest grade he served during active duty.

Because of his failing health, he was honored during a special celebration in April 2014. General Joseph DiSalvo, the Army South commander, reminded those in attendance that Dumlao’s life “is a unique story.” Turning to Dumlao, DiSalvo said, “You are a national treasure.”

He is survived by his daughters Cynthia Davis and husband Rodney of Mattawan, Mi; Sonia Dumlao, Gatesville, TX; Sons Hernani Dumlao and wife Shelia of Whispering Pines, NC, Robert Dumlao of San Antonio, TX, Dennis Dumlao and wife Patrizia of Round Rock, TX, Marvin Dumlao and wife Jenni of Columbia, SC, Gene Dumlao and wife Melanie of Amsterdam, NY, Fred Dumlao and wife Pam of Dallas, TX, Perry Dumlao of Germantown, TN, fifteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Visitation for Master Sergeant Dumlao will be on Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk, Universal City, Texas. A chapel service will be on Monday, August 24th, 2015 starting at 12pm also at Colonial Funeral Home with internment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery commencing at 1:45pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society (PSHS) or any POW/MIA organization of your choice.

Address to the PSHS is:

PSHS

C/O Lilly Arzaga-Kittredge, National Treasurer

306 Lakeway

Killeen, TX 76549

For more information please visit the Colonial Funeral Home website at

www.colonialuniversal.com