Memoir of an American Soldier Captured on Bataan in 1942 and Imprisoned By the Japanese

The Bataan Death March, a horrific event during World War II, remains a somber chapter in American history. In April 1942, over 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers were forced to endure a 60-mile march under brutal conditions, resulting in the deaths of thousands. One of those who survived the ordeal was Lieutenant Colonel Donald A. Stevens.

Early Life and Military Service

Donald Albert Stevens was born on December 2, 1918, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1941, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 21st Field Artillery Regiment in the Philippines.

The Hike into the Sun: Memoir of an American Soldier Captured on Bataan in 1942 and Imprisoned by the Japanese Until 1945

by Bernard T. FitzPatrick

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	255 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The Battle of Bataan

In December 1941, the Japanese attacked the Philippines. Stevens and his unit were sent to defend the Bataan Peninsula. The battle raged for months, with the American and Filipino forces outnumbered and outgunned. By April 1942, the situation had become untenable, and General Douglas MacArthur ordered the surrender of Bataan.

The Bataan Death March

On April 9, 1942, over 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to march from Bataan to Camp O'Donnell, a distance of over 60 miles. The march took place in scorching heat and without food or water. Many prisoners were beaten, tortured, or executed along the way.

Survival and Imprisonment

Stevens survived the death march, but he was severely injured and malnourished. He was imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp, where he endured years of torture and starvation. Despite the hardships, Stevens maintained a strong spirit and a determination to survive.

Liberation and Return Home

In February 1945, Stevens and other POWs were liberated by American forces. He returned to the United States, where he received numerous medals for his bravery and service.

Memoir and Legacy

In 1948, Stevens published his memoir, "Prisoner of War," which recounted his experiences on Bataan and in the POW camp. The book became a bestseller and helped raise awareness of the atrocities committed during the war.

Stevens died in 2002 at the age of 83. He is remembered as a hero who survived unimaginable horrors and whose story continues to inspire people today.

Historical Significance

The Bataan Death March was a war crime that shocked the world. It demonstrated the brutality of the Japanese military and the resilience of the American and Filipino soldiers who endured it. Stevens' memoir provides an invaluable firsthand account of this tragic event and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.

Additional Information

* Stevens was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for his service. * He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. * After the war, Stevens worked as a civilian for the U.S. government. * He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Donald Stevens' memoir serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit and the horrors of war. His story reminds us of the sacrifices made by our veterans and the importance of preserving their legacy.

The Hike into the Sun: Memoir of an American Soldier Captured on Bataan in 1942 and Imprisoned by the Japanese Until 1945

by Bernard T. FitzPatrick

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	255 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE