Foreword, Page 2

I would like to acknowledge a number of individuals who assisted me in this effort. First, Alf and Jane Larson who spend hours in interview, editing, re-editing, and proofreading. Second, Claire Ross who reviewed and proofread the final drafts.

Third, my son Benjamin who listened to taped interviews, asked questions helpful in clarifying specific events, participated in several interviews, and assisted in composing the title. Fourth, my spouse Ruth, who let my household chores slide during the hundreds of hours this project required. Fifth, to my dog, Buddy, who, without complaint, let me verbally vent many frustrations to him. Very special thanks to Jake Carlson for assisting me on establishing the present web site at http://www.bataansurvivor.com. To Harriet Lonergan, Katherine Archer, Kelly Luikart, and Ivan Clements who assisted me in various ways. And, my personal thanks to anyone else that helped but is not mentioned here.

The wartime photos used in this work come from Mr. Larson's private collection. The caricatures depicting actual events are used with permission by the artist author, Mr. Ben Steele, a Death March survivor and former prisoner of war. Some statements under the caricatures have been paraphrased from the originals. Other photos come from a variety of sources on the Internet including the Battling Bastards Of Bataan. Each is acknowledged individually. I took the present-day photos.

Finally, we come to the soldiers of Bataan and Corregidor. Future generations must remember these men and women who served so bravely. They helped rid the world of a great menace to freedom, the unbridled military forces of the Empire of Japan. Each one has earned our eternal thanks and gratitude.

Rick Peterson
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 2000
Revised May 2000
Revised February 2001

WRITER'S NOTE:
In April 2000 I went to the Philippine Islands to trace the Bataan Death March and visit Camp O'Donnell, Clark Field, old Bilibid Prison, Corregidor, the new Veterans Federation Museum, and the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. With assistance from the Philippine Department of Tourism, the trip was a complete success. Two highlights were finding and following the railroad station, old train tracks and signs from the "San Fernando Train Ride" and viewing the "Battling Bastards of Bataan" Memorial at Camp O'Donnell. This memorial was officially dedicated on April 7, 2000. Excellent opportunities to tour these unique memorials are available through The Philippine Department of Tourism at 312.782.2475 or email pdotchi@aol.com

Please direct any queries regarding this writing to the author, Rick Peterson, at lpeterson51@comcast.net. Thank you!

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