New Mexico Veteran, Death March Survivor, Dead At 105

A New Mexico veteran, war hero and one of the few remaining survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March has passed away at the age of 105.

Valdemar DeHerrera was born in 1919 in a small, rural area of New Mexico. He was drafted and sent overseas during WW II where he wound up fighting in the battle of Bataan.

US and Phillippino forces were overcome by the Japanese after 3 months of fighting and, following their capture, were brutally subjected to some of the most atrocious war crimes in history.

They were forced to make the Bataan Death March in the heat, humidity and rain of the tropics, over a distance of about 65 miles. They endured starvation and lack of sleep among other things and those unable to keep up or continue were beaten or killed. Some were beheaded.

The 99 days they were able to hold out delayed the Japanese just long enough to screw up their plans so, despite the tragic cost, the acts of Mr. DeHerrera and his comrades were not in vain.

Mr DeHerrera was recently honored by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services during a Military and Veterans day ceremony at the New Mexico state capitol. The caption below the video reads in part:

Valdemar DeHerrera, at 105, is our oldest survivor of the Bataan liberation. His unique and extraordinary story of courage in the face of death as a prisoner of war is not just inspirational, but also deeply moving.

Family members said a series of transient ischemic attacks, also known as "mini strokes", led to Mr. DeHerrera's demise. He is survived by 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.