On April 9,1942 Luzon commander Gen. Edward King surrendered his forces to the Japanese on the Bataan Peninsula. Numbering between 70,000-100,000 (Filipinos and Americans). Without food, ammunition, or military support...it was the largest American Army surrender in history. Some refused to become prisoners and fled into the jungle and with Filipino guerillas started a significant resistance movement which grew to over 150,000+ throughout the Philippines.
While the Japanese attacked Corregidor Island (which would surrender on May 6), they led their prisoners on a forced march now known as the "Bataan Death March". The march lasted days over more than sixty treacerous miles of rugged terrain, inhumane atrocities, and intense heat with almost no water or food. Between 5,000 and 11,000 never made it to Camp O'Donnell, where years of "hell on earth" awaited them.
"The worst thing about the march was having your fellow American fall
and not being able to help him...you had to keep going...keep going."
- Vincent Silva
LISTEN TO SOME SURVIVOR STORIES...
Several Stories
John Mims Story
Vincent Silva reading an original poem
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