During a forced removal to a POW camp, some 70,000 of these American and Philippine soldiers died during what later became known as the Bataan Death March.

In remembrance of these brave men (many of whom were from New Mexico's 200th Coastal Artillery) BMA Cadets participate in the annual 26 mile Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon held at the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Through the IDEAL New Mexico program, an online high school curriculum, Cadets were able to take additional courses, such as advanced mathematics and AP classes.

BMA followed an Honor Code which stated, “Cadets do not lie, cheat or steal, and will not tolerate those who do.” The school offered a variety of extra-curricular activities, including athletic and academic pursuits.

Later, Japanese ground forces invaded the island and eventually captured American and Filipino troops leading to the events of the Death March.

Dating to the year 400 AD, the sea lion represented the men who fought to protect the coastal waters.

Former Navy artist Jim Pearson of Albuquerque was commissioned to create a contemporary version of the sea lion.