Thomas J. H. Trapnell

Thomas John Hall "Trap" Trapnell (November 23, 1902 – February 13, 2002) was a United States Army lieutenant general.

He was a career officer who served in World War II and the Korean War.

Trapnell survived the Bataan Death March and the sinking of two transportation ships during World War II, put down a rebellion of prisoners of war in the Korean War, was the top US advisor to the French during the French Indochina War, and advised against US involvement in Vietnam.

He rose to the rank of three-star general before his military retirement and, at the time of his death, was the oldest living member of the Philippine Scouts.

Thomas Trapnell was born on November 23, 1902, in Yonkers, New York, to Joseph Trapnell and Laura Kennedy.

The Trapnells are a prosperous and distinguished family originally from the Chesapeake area whose roots stretch back to early Colonial America.

One brother, Walter Scott Kennedy Trapnell, rose to the rank of commander in the United States Navy during World War II, while another brother, William Holmes Trapnell, was a prominent attorney.

A cousin, Frederick M. Trapnell, was a famous naval test pilot who retired from the navy as a vice admiral.

Several other cousins also served as commissioned officers in the armed forces.

After graduating from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1923, Trapnell attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Known as the "warhorse of the West Point backfield," he was an All-America halfback in football—where he teamed with future Hall of Famer Chris Cagle.

In 1926, in one of West Point's best years, Trapnell participated in a memorable game against Navy that tied at 21–21.

The match was played at Soldier Field in Chicago – the only time either team has played that venue.

Army suffered only one loss that entire season (to Notre Dame).

Trapnell was also a top rated lacrosse player who rose to the captaincy of the Army team.

His first brush with public notoriety came when his crew defeated the highly rated team from Hobart College captained by his younger brother, William.

The characteristically athletic and competitive Trapnells did their best to outshine each other as evidenced by one report:

"Captain T. J. Hall Trapnell of the Army team and Captain William H. Trapnell, brothers, engaged in several sharp scrimmages, the first of which resulted in Captain Trapnell of the Army leaving the field under a three-minute penalty."

Trapnell was promoted to major and was made XO of the 26th Cavalry Regiment.

During their withdrawal into the Bataan Peninsula in December, Trapnell, commanding a unit of the 26th Cavalry, fought a desperate rear-guard action that included the last tactical cavalry charge of the U.S. Army.

Using a medical truck to block one of the bridges used by retreating Fil-Am force and setting it afire, Trapnell then remained at this position under constant fire until it was rendered unpassable.

Although he had a command car with which to beat a hasty retreat, he instead withdrew slowly with a picked force retrieving wounded soldiers along the way.

For this engagement he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and commended by Gen. MacArthur: "With complete disregard for his safety, Major Trapnell delayed the hostile advance and set an inspiring example to his entire regiment."

Trapnell graduated in 1927 and was commissioned as a platoon leader in the 11th Cavalry Regiment.

During this time, he served under two future generals Jonathan Wainwright and George Patton.

In 1937, he was promoted to captain; two years later he was assigned to the Philippine Scouts.

While in the Philippines, Trapnell was instrumental in recruiting Sofia Adamson, future founder of the Pacific Asia Museum in Los Angeles and co-founder of Adamson University in Manila, to the staff of General Douglas MacArthur.

He also became a star polo player.

In 1941, Japan invaded the Philippines, routing combined U.S.-Filipino defensive forces.

Taken prisoner in April 1942 along with remaining U.S. forces, Trapnell endured months of horrific conditions at Camps O'Donnell and Cabanatuan.

While interned, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

In December 1944, he was transported, along with 1,620 other prisoners, on the notorious prisoner of war hell ship, Oryoku Maru.

U.S. dive-bombers, unaware of the ship's status, attacked and sunk the vessel.

Trapnell survived only to fall victim to a repeated attack the following year.

This time, United States Navy aircraft attacked and disabled the Enoura Maru.

He and the approximate 950 survivors of the two sinkings were placed aboard the Brazil Maru but only 550 survived the journey to Japan.

In August 1945, Trapnell was liberated from Hoten POW camp in Manchuria by USSR troops.

At the time, his once athletic, six-foot frame had been reduced to less than 100 pounds.

Upon his return to the United States, Trapnell attended the Command and General Staff College, graduating in 1947.

Afterward, he completed Airborne School and assumed command of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.