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Henry Peck of Brainerd, a survivor of the Bataan Death March, was remembered Monday by his longtime friend and fellow survivor, Walt Straka, as a hardworking, honest man who was a “damn good soldier.”
Peck, 90, died Monday at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany.
“He was kind of bull-headed in a way,” Straka said, remembering that Peck took offense when a Bataan memorial portrayed the soldiers in the wrong type of helmet. “You couldn’t ask for better friends. He was always honest to me, just a good honest guy. I really liked the guy.”
Peck’s death means that Straka, a Brainerd resident who was reached while vacationing in Pharr, Texas, is the lone Brainerd area survivor of Brainerd’s 34th Tank Co.
“I’m the last one,” Straka said.
That tank company was federalized and redesignated the 194th Tank Battalion. The battalion was the first tank unit in the far east before World War II.
Peck, Straka and their fellow soldiers fought and held defense positions on the Bataan peninsula of the Philippiines until U.S. forces were ordered to surrender on April 9, 1942. A state of Minnesota proclamation issued last year noted that nearly 10,000 U.S. and Filipino troops died during the 60-mile death march to Camp O’Donnell.
Of the original 82 officers and men of the 34th Tank Co. who left Brainerd 64 accompanied the 194th overseas. Three were killed in action and 29 died as POWs. Only 32 survived to return to Brainerd at the end of World War II.
Ken Porwoll, another survivor of the death march was originally from Brainerd but has lived in Roseville for many years.
“He was a good guy,” Porwoll said of Peck.
Peck had lived at the nursing home in recent years and suffered several strokes, his wife said last fall. In earlier interviews with the Brainerd Dispatch Peck recounted how as a Japanese POW he had contracted malaria, was beaten, worked to exhaustion and was malnourished to a point where he weighed only 80 pounds.
“I didn’t give up hope,” he said in a 2003 interview. “I wanted to live. We knew they (the allies) were coming but they were damn slow.”
Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd with Pastor Mark Kleckner officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd and one hour before the services at the church on Friday. Burial will be in Lake Edward Cemetery.
Comments (9)
Add commentRest in Peace, Mr Peck
You served your country well and we are better off for the time you spent with us...I only hope that future generations will grasp your dedication and contributions to our country. Rest easy, old soldier...God bless you for all you did.
oh enough already Herc. Do
oh enough already Herc. Do you complain 24/7? The fact that this article is the headline of the paper (online) demonstrates the respect given to Mr. Peck.
Thank You for your service Mr. Peck. I could never imagine going through the torture you endured.
RIP uncle Hank
You are a true hero and I will remember you every Jan 1st on the birthday that we shared. To those of you that bring your petty arguments to this column everyday, please take them somewhere else. This man deserves honor and respect, and your remarks about the article writer are disrepectful to an American hero.........
Great American Hero
Another Great American Hero lost to the ages. Thank you for your service, your life, and your honor to your fellow soldiers and this country. You're story will live forever in our hearts and minds.
RIP
RIP Mr. Peck. A true hero.
Thank you Mr. Peck. RIP
Thank you Mr. Peck. RIP
Thank you Uncle Hank RIP- SALUTE
A life time SALUTE is due to my great-uncle, Thank you for your service, Honor, and the gift of freedom. May you soar in the skies, fly high..... your wisdom, and gander will be missed!
I am very proud to say that
I am very proud to say that Henry "Hank" was my great uncle. He was very stubborn and strong willed, but he was a great man and a true hero. We will all miss you Uncle Hank, rest in peace.
Mr. Peck dies
I would like to be a birdy on the wall when Hank passes thru the pearly gates. I am most certain he willl be looking up Douglas MacArthur and having a chat.
I found this on Mr. Peck: http://www.proviso.k12.il.us/bataan%20web/Peck.htm
I am sorry you had to endure so much pain and hardship in your life.
RIP old soldier
Recognition towards combat service
After being contacted by an 89 year old gentleman from a nursing home several years, ago I learned I was exposed to injustice only known to God.
The retired USAF Colonel asked for assistance in the process to receive what he earned for participating in the battles of Bataan, and Corregidor.
I researched personnel, units, and battles which revealed the majority of military personnel were taken prisoner, killed in action or killed in captivity. A small number of Army personnel were repatriated in 1945, correctly processed, and awarded due recognition for serving as infantrymen against the enemy regardless of MOS, and unit assignment.
Records reveal veterans were awarded the Bronze Star Medal [with] the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) until 2003, when a veteran of the AAF was presented the CIB by Congressman Patrick Kennedy (RI).
I learned the Colonel was entitled to a second Bronze Star Medal, [with] the Combat Infantryman Badge for serving with the First Provisional Air Corps Regiment (PACR). It was led into battle by Colonel Doane, 31st Infantry.
I contacted the Army Review Boards Agency before submitting paperwork for the BSM, and CIB. The response was the office will not recognize any AAF veteran being eligible for the CIB. (Please note: All WWII personnel awarded the CIB are entitled to the BSM).
He states, (in part), "There was no evidence found that indicated that the PACR was designated among the TOI units. Accordingly, the members of the PACR were not eligible for the CIB."
The civilian is justifying his position with a guideline that is dated 1944, and not retroactive during the period in question. He is quoting War Department Circular 408 that does not pertain to veterans involved.
The decision is completely contrary to guidelines, and history of recipients the Colonel fought along side. The Colonel left us a month after the denial. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
I can provide any documents required to substantiate my statements.
I hope Mr. Peck was recognized for his service as fellow members of the 194th Tank Battalion, i.e.:
Bronze Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster)
Combat Infantryman Badge
Presidential Unit Citation w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and others.
As a veteran, I am not proud to share such a story, and injustice applied to WWII veterans. Today, only a small number remain on this planet, but there are a few (and next of kin) that continue to wait for recognition earned.