Rescue Raids of Luzon!: Saved 7,700 Allied Prisoners January 30-February 23, 1945

Between January 26th and February 23rd of 1945 on Luzon in the Philippines, America made its greatest rescue of civilians and military prisoners from deep behind enemy lines. Three quickly organized raids by different hastily formed groups, saved 7,700 lives. Raids were necessary because a decoded Japanese order stated that prisoners were to be killed before rescue, an order executed in December '44 on Palawan Island in the Philippines. This book summarizes these raids and describes the prison camp experience of the author and his family. Photos, drawings, and old documents help tell the tale. In the largest raid on the prison at Santo Tomas in Manila, his family had 'ringside seats'. Theirs is a representative story of the prewar, war with its wretched conditions and postwar, and includes their experience under fire during the Battle of Manila. The book is a remembrance of the bravery, skills and organizing abilities displayed by American soldiers and Filipino/American guerillas, whose achievements are not likely to be surpassed. And of his parents, who pulled them through magnificently and were recognized, with others, by order of Gen. MacArthur with campaign ribbons with a battle star.