Remembering Those Who Served Our Nation
The National American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor (ADBC) Museum, Education & Research Center possesses the largest collection of artifacts in the world related to the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, a key event of the war in the Pacific (1941-1945).
Image (Left): B-18 Bomber Destroyed at Clark Field Air Base on December 8, 1941
Our exhibits tell the stories of those that served our country and fought the enemy on and around the Philippine islands despite overwhelming odds against success. Unfortunately, many Americans and Filipinos were captured and held as prisoners of war (POWs) by Imperial Japan. These POWs suffered disease, malnutrition, torture, humiliation, and abuse. Many died on "hellships" to Japan. Others participated in a 65-mile death march to prison camps. Most became slave laborers for private Japanese companies. The death rate and incidence of post-traumatic stress for American POWs of Japan was the greatest of any American conflict.
Image (Right): Japanese Surrendering to American Solders in the Philippines, 1945
The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor as well as others that served in the Pacific theater of World War II. Additionally, exhibits encourage visitors to reflect upon the futility of war in settling international disputes.
Image (Left): Allied prisoners of war held by the Japanese during WWII