TFH 4/8: Commander William Walton Hastings, USN

April 8 and 9, 1942 was the closing moments of the heroic stand by American and Filipino fighters on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. The defenders knew their situation was hopeless. They knew that final defeat was imminent. Regardless, they fought on and made sure as little as possible was left behind to aid the Japanese enemy.

Less than a year before, the United States Navy had established a base to support the Asiatic Fleet at Mariveles. Mariveles was a departure point for the forces that were being evacuated to Corregidor Island and much was left to destroy lest it be captured. Coordinating these efforts was the station's commanding officer, Commander William Walton Hastings. For his courage and devotion to this important duty, he received the Navy Cross.


From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Walton Hastings, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Commanding Officer, Section Base Area, Mariveles Harbor, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on the night of 8 - 9 April 1942. Commander Hastings' efficient organization and direction of a mixed force of American and Filipino enlisted men in evacuating personnel and supplies to Corregidor, and in the demolition of living quarters and utilities, and the demolition of the U.S.S. BITTERN and the Dry Dock DEWEY, in accordance with a well conceived and executed plan, made this difficult operation possible in spite of darkness, demolition explosions, and reports of approaching Japanese. The conduct of Commander Hastings throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Apart from learning that he was born on February 18, 1889, I was unable to learn much about the rest of Commander Hastings' story, including whether or not he escaped the Philippines or was captured by the Japanese. From Ancestry.com I do know that he passed away on March 7, 1956 at age 67 in Sonoma, California.