Phillip Coon, 1919-2014. Photo fro Muscogee Nation
Phillip Coon, a member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma who was the last Indian survivor of the Bataan Death March during World War II, died on Monday. He was 95. Coon was captured by Japanese forces and forced to walk 80 miles in the Philippines under harsh conditions and constant physical abuse. Hundreds of his fellow soldiers died during the 1942 march. "He always told me that he felt like he was able to overcome the Death March because of his faith and because he knew people back home were praying for him," Chief George Tiger said in a press release. "We’re going to miss him. We already miss him," Tiger said. "He’s well respected We were honored as the Muscogee Nation to have him as a tribal citizen. I think Indian Country was honored to have him being who he was." Funeral services are set for Friday at 10am at the First Baptist Church in Okmulgee. Get the Story:
Last Native American Survivor Of Bataan Death March Dies (AP 6/25)
Phillip Coon, WWII POW and Bataan Death March survivor, dies (The Tulsa World 6/26)
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