Sailor Who Died in WWII as a Prisoner of War Identified After 82 Years

A Second World War sailor, who tragically died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines, has finally been identified over 80 years after his passing. Navy Fireman First Class Robert Glenn Shove, aged 21 at the time of his death, was confirmed to have been accounted for by the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency. This announcement was made on 28th October, which brought a sense of closure to his family after decades of uncertainty.

Shove was born on 2nd May 1922 in Washta, Iowa, and graduated from Wilson High School in 1940. He enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter, joining the USS Canopus, which was anchored at Mariveles when Japanese forces launched their invasion of the Philippines in December 1941. As the war progressed, Shove and his fellow sailors were evacuated to Corregidor, where they assisted in the defence of the island against Japanese attacks.

After intense fighting, the American and Filipino troops succumbed to overwhelming forces, and the Bataan Peninsula surrendered on 9th April 1942, followed by Corregidor Island on 6th May 1942. Captured soldiers, including Shove, endured the harrowing Bataan Death March—an infamous forced march of over 65 miles that claimed countless lives. Historical records indicate that Shove died on 27th October 1943, while imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp and was subsequently interred in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery.

Following the war, Shove’s remains were exhumed by U.S. forces but were not identified at that time. His remains were later moved to Fort McKinley Cemetery in the Philippines. It was not until November 2019 that efforts were renewed to re-examine the remains, leading to positive identification, which was confirmed in December 2025. This identification has brought a long-awaited sense of closure and relief for Shove’s surviving family members.

Ed Poole, one of Shove’s nephews, expressed his gratitude for the identification of his uncle’s remains, noting the emotional resolution it has brought to the family. Poole reflected, “I would have loved if some of his siblings could have seen this,” highlighting the family’s enduring connection to Shove despite the years passing without definitive answers.

His great-niece, Melissa Gillette, shared her emotional response to the news, describing a mix of surprise and pride. “I feel a sense of pride in him for everything he accomplished,” she said, adding, “I’m so happy that he’s already on his way home.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the family and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who fought valiantly during such tumultuous times.

Robert Glenn Shove will be remembered and honoured with a funeral service scheduled for 7th November at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel in Sioux City, Iowa. His burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, where he will receive military honours for his service and ultimate sacrifice.

The formal identification of Shove underscores the tireless efforts of the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency and associated entities in their mission to locate and identify American service members who have remained unaccounted for since the Second World War. The agency works diligently to bring solace to families like Shove’s, who have endured the pain of loss throughout generations.

As the family prepares to lay Shove to rest, they are reminded of his courage and resilience, honouring a life that, although cut short, continues to inspire pride and remembrance through their shared history.