Under the Bayonet: The Forgotten Heroism of Lt. Col. Robert Vesey

Episode Summary
In July 1942 at Camp Keithley in Mindanao, Lt. Col. Robert H. Vesey made an extraordinary choice that would define his legacy. When Brig. Gen. Guy O. Fort was selected for execution, Vesey stepped forward and volunteered to take his place. What followed was two hours of unimaginable suffering under Japanese bayonets—yet Vesey’s sacrifice saved Fort’s life and preserved critical alliances with Moro guerrillas.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into Vesey’s story: his West Point background, leadership during the desperate defense of Lake Lanao, and the harrowing moment captured forever in 12-year-old POW Ben Hagans’ eyewitness testimony. We also make the clear case for why Vesey’s actions deserve the Medal of Honor.

What You’ll Hear

• Vesey’s gallantry in combat that earned him the Silver Star
• The reprisal executions at Signal Hill following a POW escape
• Ben Hagans’ vivid, emotional account of Vesey volunteering and enduring two hours under the bayonet
• Why this voluntary self-sacrifice meets every standard for the Medal of Honor
• The current AMAG mission with Bangsamoro partners to locate Vesey’s remains near the recently rediscovered Pvt. Keithley monument

Vesey’s two-hour stand remains one of the most profound acts of courage in World War II. His story deserves to be told—and his sacrifice deserves full recognition.

Listen now and discover the forgotten hero whose final act still echoes today.

Support the Mission
Help bring Lt. Col. Vesey, Capt. Price, and 1st Sgt. Chandler home. Visit amagonline.org to learn more about AMAG’s work and donate to the recovery mission.

#POWMIA #MedalOfHonor #WWIIHistory #MindanaoMIA #BringThemHome

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