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| Book Reviews |
Few stories emerging from World War II better illustrate the sacrifice of those who defended the far end of America’s pre-war overseas empire. The Philippines proved to be America’s “Bridge too far,” subjecting its defenders to death or unfathomable brutality at the hands of their captors. The “Baby of Bataan,” Joe Johnson, was one of those defenders, a soldier, a sudden prisoner of war, and a too-soon adult at 15. His humanity, courage, and steadfast determination reflect the essence of what is perennially good and different about America’s soldiers. Joe’s story will shine brightly among our nation’s annals of war. Karl Lowe, Col. Retired, U.S. Army Historian, 31st U.S. Infantry Regiment There are so many stories within the story, it is amazing. I applaud Joe Johnson for having the courage to share his experiences. Most of us have never been asked to test the very limits of human endurance. He survived, but more importantly he didn’t let the experience destroy him. This was probably as difficult as surviving, if not more so. He is an inspiration and a reminder of the ultimate price of freedom. Franklin Aldridge Action and Training Officer Engineering Solutions and Products Baby of Bataan” is a remarkable account of courage, survival, and ingenuity that we can all learn from–and it should be made into a movie! Tom Sanders, Film Production Designer Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, We Were Soldiers Joe Johnson has shed the light of truth on a time and place, which for years has been shrouded in myth, tragedy, mystery, and legend. He does not sugarcoat a brutal reality, and his personality shines through so clearly that the simple truth needs no garnish. His words paint pictures that leap from the pages and go right to the heart. In baring his soul and sharing his experiences, Joe Johnson allows us to appreciate not only the “Pride of America in the Far East” during peacetime service in Manila, but also the personal sacrifices of the men who gave everything under conditions that are barely imaginable today. It is a rare dose of reality we should all cherish Gregory Gantz Online Reviews |