Cahill

Pvt. James A. Cahill was born in 1918 and raised at 4822 North Kenmore Avenue in Chicago. He later lived at 825 South Scoville, Oak Park, Illinois. He enlisted in the Illinois National Guard with his brother Pvt. John P. Cahill.

In November, 1940, Jim went with the 33rd Tank Company from Maywood, Illinois, when the company was called to federal duty. He trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then at Camp Polk in Louisiana. In October of 1941, Jim was sent with his unit, now known as Company B, 192nd Tank Battalion, to the Philippine Islands. Upon arrival in the Philippines, Jim, and the other members of the battalion, was issued an .45 caliber handgun. He was told to keep it with him at all times.

When war broke out, Jim, along with the other members of Company B, 192 Tank Battalion, fought a holding action on the Island of Luzon against the Japanese. Since the Japanese had air superiority, the Filipino-American forces were under constant strafing. As was the custom in combat, he carried his handgun in the cocked position.

During one air attack, a bomb exploded near Jim and other soldiers. Trying to avoid the bombs and machine gun fire, they all dove into a foxhole. When he landed, Jim's handgun discharged and wounded him in the abdomen. He was taken to an American Military Hospital where he died from this wound on January 15, 1942.

Jim's brother John, who was taken prisoner in December 22, 1941. He did not learn of Jim's death until July of 1942, when John came into contact with other members of B Company who told him of Jim's death.