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
                
         

                                          
Top of Page
Online reviews can be found using Google's search engine, and others. Search using
"Baby of Bataan", and/or "Joseph Quitman Johnson". Reviews are also available using
search key words "The Paper Frigate" and "Online Review of Books & Current Affairs".