Surviving the Bataan Death March

Summary

The speaker recounts the brutal experience of the Bataan Death March, where 12,000 American soldiers were captured, enduring horrendous conditions. Many died from malaria, disease, or brutal execution. The speaker survived by setting daily goals, pushing through extreme physical and emotional pain. Despite being beaten, starved, and tortured, he focused on reaching distant goals like a herd of caribou. This philosophy of resilience and perseverance shaped his life, emphasizing the importance of letting go of grudges and adjusting to life's adversities. He reflects on the value of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, which helps all veterans, including those affected mentally and emotionally.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'death march' refers not just to the number of deaths but to the brutal conditions of the march where people were killed for stopping, being sick, or being too weak to continue.
• 😀 About 12,000 Americans were captured, with only 1,700 surviving to return home, highlighting the extreme hardships they endured during the march.
• 😀 Prisoners faced various forms of brutality, including being bayoneted, shot, or decapitated for not being able to continue the march.
• 😀 The soldiers were deprived of food and water, and the temperature was unbearably high, reaching around 108°F.
• 😀 Many of the captured soldiers suffered from diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which worsened their chances of survival during the march.
• 😀 The speaker survived the march by setting personal goals, like aiming to reach a distant herd of caribou, which helped him maintain the will to keep moving forward.
• 😀 Despite being physically abused (broken nose, teeth knocked out, head injury), the speaker kept marching, driven by his goals and determination to survive.
• 😀 The speaker's philosophy on life was shaped by this experience, where he learned not to hold grudges and to adapt to adversity.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of adjusting to difficulties in life, which has led to a happier and more fulfilling existence.
• 😀 The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization was crucial in supporting the speaker and many other veterans, recognizing that disability goes beyond physical impairments and includes mental and emotional scars.
• 😀 The speaker believes that all soldiers who endured the Bataan Death March are disabled in some way, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, and they are all part of the DAV community.

Q & A

Why was the march referred to as a 'death march'?

The march was called a 'death march' not because of the number of deaths, but because of the brutal way the captives were treated. Many were killed for stopping, for having a malaria attack, or even for basic needs like defecating. The conditions were brutal, and the captors showed no mercy.

What were the conditions like for the American prisoners during the death march?

The prisoners faced extreme conditions including no food or water, temperatures around 108°F, and high rates of malaria and other diseases. Many were also injured with gunshot wounds or other physical trauma.

What kept the speaker going during the march despite the harsh conditions?

The speaker made a decision to survive by setting small goals for himself. He focused on reaching distant goals, such as a herd of caribou, and used these goals as motivation to keep moving forward.

How did the speaker cope with the physical abuse from the Japanese captors?

Despite being physically abused, including having his nose broken, teeth knocked out, and head split open, the speaker continued marching, following orders, and focusing on his survival goals.

What philosophical outlook did the speaker develop after surviving the death march?

The speaker adopted a philosophy of not holding grudges and learning to adjust to adversity. He believed that letting go of resentment and rolling with life's punches made his life happier and easier.

How does the speaker view those who hold grudges?

The speaker believes that people who hold on to grudges live by a different philosophy and may find life more difficult. He contrasts this with his own approach of adapting to challenges and letting go of resentment.

What is the speaker's perspective on the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization?

The speaker values the DAV and its mission. He sees it as an organization that clearly defines its goals and provides support. He believes that all veterans, including those from the Bataan Death March, are disabled in some way—whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.

What does the speaker mean by saying that 'every man that came back from Bataan is disabled in some manner'?

The speaker suggests that the traumatic experiences of the Bataan Death March affected all the survivors in some way, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. He emphasizes that disability can take many forms, not just the loss of a limb.

What role did the DAV play in the speaker's life?

The DAV played a significant role in the speaker's life by providing support and assistance. He expressed gratitude for the kindness he received from the organization.

How does the speaker's approach to life reflect the lessons he learned from his experience on the death march?

The speaker’s approach to life involves setting goals, adjusting to adversity, and focusing on survival. His experience taught him to not dwell on the past or hold grudges but to continually move forward with purpose.