Resources: Books on the Experience
While not exhaustive, the following list contains pertinent written and filmed material that one or more of us is personally familiar with and can recommend. The list will be updated from time to time.
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LEST WE FORGET - Life as a Japanese POW
by Fred Seiker (2002)
Mr. Seiker was captured by the Japanese and forced to work as a POW on the infamous Thai-Burma "railway of death." This book features supporting text and reproduction of 21 water-color paintings he exhibited to depict atrocities he personally endured or witnessed, in the hopes they will never be repeated. |
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SURVIVING THE SWORD: POWS of the Japanese 1942-45
by Brian MacArthur (2005)
A recent book based on diaries and interviews with surviving prisoners. Many moving and heroic first-hand accounts not found in other books on the subject. Horrific, moving, and inspiring, all at the same time. |
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PRISONERS OF THE JAPANESE: WWII Prisoners of War in the Pacific
by Gavin Daws (1996)
This book is an excellent addition to the literature on this topic. Based on both archival research and personal interviews, Mr. Daws wrote this book to educate generations who are unfamiliar with what it took to preserve our freedom. The story needs to be told and he does a superb job. One honors both the dead and the survivors by reading it. |
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THE KNIGHTS OF BUSHIDO: A short history of Japanese war crimes
by Edward Frederick Langley Russell
This is considered the classic account of Japanese war crimes. It was out of print for many ears. A detailed and well-documented study that is a good starting point for those interested in the subject. |
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GHOST SOLDIERS: The epic account of WWII's greatest rescue mission
by Hampton Sides (2001)
Sure to become a classic, this is the story of what Allied POWs endured after the fall of Bataan. It details their experiences on the Bataan death March, in the camps, and during and after their rescue. Filled with heroic characters, it is an epic story that is hard to put down once you begin. A beautiful memorial to both prisoners and liberators. Really brings home the sacrifices made for us.
As an aside, the story was also in theaters as "The Great Raid" in 2005 and is available on DVD. The film was quite accurate and well done, and honored the experiences of Americans and Filipinos who were involved. Buy or rent it and watch it together with your children and grandchildren. |