1st Sgt. Daniel V. Proctor

1st Sgt. Daniel V. Proctor, United States Army, served his country with honor during World War I and World War II as a member of Company G, 31st Infantry Regiment, in the Philippine Islands. Entering military service from New Jersey, he was among the brave American soldiers defending the Philippines during the Japanese invasion in late 1941.

Following the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, 1st Sgt. Proctor was captured by Japanese forces and became one of thousands of American and Filipino prisoners of war forced to endure the brutal Bataan Death March and subsequent imprisonment at the notorious Cabanatuan Prison Camp. Conditions at the camp were harsh, with severe overcrowding, starvation, disease, and inadequate medical care claiming the lives of many prisoners.

1st Sgt. Proctor died while a prisoner of war at Cabanatuan during the war and was buried in makeshift communal graves alongside fellow service members. Due to the difficult conditions and lack of records, his remains could not be identified at the time, and he was listed as unaccounted for many decades.

Through the continued efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and advances in forensic science, 1st Sgt. Proctor was recently identified and accounted for, bringing long-awaited answers to his family and ensuring his sacrifice would never be forgotten.

At the time of his death, Daniel was survived by his wife, Sarah C. Proctor; children, Mary Catherine Byrnes, Daniel A.K. Proctor, Patrick Robert Proctor, and Jo Ann Hardy; sisters, Violet Notre, Margaret Misciagna, and Eliza Napolitano; and brothers, Charles Proctor, and Thomas Proctor, all of whom have since passed away. Two of the grandchildren he never had an opportunity to meet in life have passed on also, Daniel Thomas Byrnes and Sharleen O’Toole. Surviving family members who welcome him home today include grandchildren, Carla A. Villyard, Gayla S. Gunn, Catherine Hardy Eichhorn, and Sarah Hardy O’Connell-Claitor; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and other relatives.

His courage, endurance, and devotion to duty reflect the highest traditions of military service. He was awarded numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Prisoner of War Medal. After more than 80 years, 1st Sgt. Daniel V. Proctor is finally welcomed home and honored for the sacrifice he made in service to his nation.

Daniel will receive full military honors at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM. He will then be reunited with his bride, Sarah, after more than 80 years apart.