This collection documents the military service and enduring legacy of Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, a 1940 graduate of South Dakota State College and one of the earliest Medal of Honor recipients of World War II. Bianchi demonstrated extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Bataan, continuing to lead and assist fellow soldiers despite multiple injuries, before being captured and later dying as a prisoner of war in 1945.
Materials include photocopies of Bianchi’s personal letters from the Philippines and as a POW, offering rare firsthand insight into the experiences of an American officer during the early Pacific campaign. Additional records include correspondence with his family, military officials, and others, as well as memorial writings, newspaper clippings, and biographical information. The collection also features a photocopy of Bianchi’s Medal of Honor certificate and a certificate signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in recognition of his sacrifice.
The collection holds further significance through its documentation of the efforts by Tom Beattie and the Willibald Bianchi Memorial and Scholarship Committee to honor Bianchi’s legacy at South Dakota State University. These materials trace the creation of a memorial plaque, scholarship fund, and commemorative events, highlighting Bianchi’s continued impact on the university and broader public memory.
