Cpl. Delmont Johnston

MONMOUTH – Corporal Delmont Johnston, 21, of Monmouth, Maine, a United States Army Air Corps serviceman who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, has been formally accounted for as of March 18, 2025. After more than eight decades, his service and sacrifice are now fully recognized, and his family has received confirmation of his identification.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Johnston, Delmont spent his early years in Lincoln, Maine, and graduated from Mattanawcook Academy with the Class of 1938. He later moved to Monmouth. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Dec. 2, 1940, and trained at the Savannah Army Air Base in Georgia before his overseas deployment.

Cpl. Johnston served with the 16th Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group (Light), during the early days of World War II. He deployed to the Philippine Islands in November of 1941, arriving just weeks before the outbreak of hostilities in the Pacific. Following the invasion by Japanese forces in December 1941, he and his fellow servicemen endured intense and sustained combat during the defense of the Philippines.

After the fall of the Bataan Peninsula on April 9, 1942, and Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942, Cpl. Johnston was among the thousands of American and Filipino troops captured. He endured the brutal conditions of the Bataan Death March and was subsequently held at Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp No. 1. According to historical and camp records, he died in captivity on Dec. 30, 1942, and was laid to rest in the camp cemetery.

He is remembered as a devoted son, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his nephew Doug and his wife Judy Smith of Oakland, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Alexander Johnston and his sisters Thelma Smith, Jessie Albert, and Joyce Johnston.

For decades, Cpl. Johnston was listed as missing in action, his fate unknown to those who loved him. Today, with the confirmation of his identification, his story stands as a testament to courage, sacrifice, and enduring honor. His family, and a grateful nation, remember him not only for the life he lived, but for the service he gave.

A quiet hero of his generation, Corporal Delmont Johnston’s legacy will continue to be honored and remembered.

There will be a graveside service with full military honors on Monday May 4, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in the outdoor chapel at 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.khrfuneralhomes.com/.