4 gruesome deaths before Santo Tomas' liberation

Ruth Grinnell received a citation honoring her late husband, Carroll C. Grinnell, when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom. Carroll's leadership among the internees at Santo Tomas from 1942 to 1945 was lauded for his tireless efforts in securing funds for essential provisions like food, clothing, medicines, and hospital supplies.

Carroll, alongside fellow camp officers Alfred Francis Duggleby, Clifford Lawrence Larsen, and Ernest Emil Johnson, met a tragic fate at the hands of the Kempeitai around January 15, 1945, for reasons still cloaked in mystery.

Before World War II reached Philippine shores, Carroll held esteemed positions in various companies, showcasing his leadership abilities and dedication to service. When Manila fell under Japanese occupation, the University of Santo Tomas became an internment camp for foreign civilians, primarily Americans and British, who endured 37 months of captivity.

Within the confines of the camp's walls, the internees established a self-governing community, with Carroll at the helm of the internee committee. His unwavering commitment to his fellow captives left an indelible mark on those he served.

Accounts from former internees provide poignant glimpses into Carroll's character and the harrowing events leading to his demise. Despite the passage of time, memories of his selflessness and sacrifice endure, recounted in personal diaries and interviews.

Neville Stopford, in a 2002 interview, recalled the sudden disappearance of Carroll and his comrades just days before liberation. Others, like Trinity College’s Albert Holland and internee Margaret Gillooly, bore witness to the tragedy of their execution by the Japanese military.

Even in the face of danger, Carroll's dedication to easing the internees' suffering remained steadfast. Personal accounts, such as that of U.S. Army nurse Ethel “Sally” Blaine Millett, highlight his instrumental role in securing provisions and saving lives.

Declassified reports from the U.S. Army shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the internees' fate. Correspondences and investigations conducted post-liberation offer glimpses into the painstaking efforts to uncover the truth.

A crucial breakthrough came with the discovery of the bodies of Carroll and his comrades. Tom Poole, along with others, unearthed their remains, bringing closure to a chapter of uncertainty and sorrow.