Left Behind: When America Surrendered WW2

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the origins of Left Behind podcast and some of the people highlighted so far in the podcast’s first 60 episodes. This episode was originally given as a presentation at the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society and American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society co-conference in April 2024 in Houston, Texas. The presentation has been recorded here...

An inside look into the infamous “Zero Ward,” so named because POWs who went there had zero chance of returning. And one man’s relentless work to bring one of them home.   Learn more about John Eakin’s work to bring Bud Kelder and other unidentified men home: Interview with Eakin (Left Behind episode 18)  BataanMissing.com – A Resource for Families of All US MIA's   You can see images and maps abo...

In this special Memorial Day episode, we’re remembering 5 remarkable men who were Killed in Action, sacrificing their all to defend their country and The Philippine Islands during the early months of World War 2.   Hear the full stories of the men highlighted in this episode: Capt. Colin Kelly -- pilot of first B-17 bomber downed in WW2 (episode #4) Lt. James Booher -- KIA at Bataan airfield (epis...

Four young American POWs attempted to escape from the Cabanatuan POW Camp.   After being caught, they endured brutal punishment, forced to dig their graves, and executed by firing squad.   But, by war’s end, their burial location couldn’t be found. Would their remains ever be located, and would their murderer be brought to justice?     I mentioned the following episodes in today’s episode: #53 – A...

What if you could visit the Manila American Cemetery without leaving your home? Or walk the rows of in Normandy and discover each man's story?   That's what the Memory Anchor Explorer app allows anyone, anywhere to do.   Join me in an inspiring conversation with the apps co-founders to discover how they’re shaping the future of commemoration through technology.   DOWNLOAD the Memory Anchor App whe...

In late May 1942, American POWs captured on Corregidor endured a hellish train ride and march to Cabanatuan’s infamous POWs camps. Among them was Navy Ensign Whitman, who, weakened by malaria and lack of food and water, struggled to keep pace with the relentless march. Despite comrades' aid, Whitman's condition worsened. And as his strength waned, he collapsed, left by the roadside as his fellow p...

WW2 reenactor Victor Verano brings history to life through immersive experiences. In this fun and informative interview, he'll share his experiences at large WW2 reenactments, encounters with WWII veterans, and exploration of battlefields. You'll really enjoy Victor's passion for living history, which enriches our understanding of the past.   Here’s the link to Victor’s first Left Behind interview...

The fates of two servicemen – a career Army officer and a young medical doctor – intertwined during the harrowing siege at Fort Frank, a small island defense in Manila Bay. From the front lines to captivity at Cabanatuan POW Camp, they each battled disease, constant threats, and despair with unwavering resolve.   Here are links to the other episodes mentioned in this episode: #40. Nurse Rosemary H...

82 years ago – April 9, 1942 – some 75,000 American and Filipino servicemen became POWs when Bataan peninsula fell to Japanese forces.   With in days the overwhelming majority of them were forced onto the Bataan Death March.   These are their stories.   I mention the following men in this episode: Jim Gallagher – Sportswriter from Philly who died on the first day of the march (Episode 27) Ray Hunt...

Sometimes I encounter not-so-great things while researching family trees. I’ll let you in on the 7 ways I handle bad blood and family secrets -- with sensitivity and empathy -- in the stories I research for Left Behind.   Here’s the link to Alma Salm’s episode (#50) , which I mentioned in this episode.

Two days after Corregidor fell, more than 11,000 American and Filipino POWs were marched to a beachy cove known as the Army 92nd Garage.   Here they stayed, cramped, hungry, and thirty for nearly 3 weeks – baking in the tortuous Philippine sun because there was no protection from elements.   Among these men was my great-grandfather Alma Salm, who would endure 33 months of torturous POW life – expe...

The 26th Cavalry were among the first to engage the Japanese invasion army in December 1942. Their critical role on the road to Bataan enabled the Allies’ successful withdrawal. Then they enacted the last horse-mounted cavalry charge in US history. Victor Verano – a historical reenactor and leader in The Philippine Scout Heritage Society – has spent 15 years working with 26th Cavalry veterans to p...

While The Philippine Islands fell to enemy forces on May 6, 1942, a small, open boat with 18 passengers quietly sailed out of Manila Bay under cover of darkness.   It was a last, desperate attempt to escape capture and make their way 2,100 miles to Australia.   And guess what? They made it.   This is an adventure story you don’t want to miss!   Here are links to the Battle of the Points episodes I...

A behind-the-scenes look at the best, go-to resources used to the find the details of the POW war-time experiences I highlight on Left Behind. And, if you have a POW you’d like to know more about, download the “Finding Prisoners of Japan” guide that I made just for you.

In the early morning hours of May 6, 1942, a 22-year-old Signal Corps man telegraphed a frantic, play-by-play of the fighting and bombardment on Corregidor Island as Japanese forces moved ever closer to Malinta Tunnel.   Then the white flag was raised, and the US flag burned.   And the young man transmitted it to the world, as a nation wept.   I mentioned these POWs in the episode, here are links...

Throughout the past year, it’s been my privilege to research and tell the stories of several men of the 4th Marines. This week I’m revisiting the riveting accounts of 5 Marines and their pivotal role in the Philippines during World War II.   From the initial defense of the islands to the harrowing Battle of Corregidor, this episode showcases the unwavering courage and indomitable spirit of the Mar...

On the night of May 5-6, 1942, Japanese forces landed an invasion on Corregidor Island, the last remaining US fortress in The Philippines.   Waiting on the island’s beaches were the US Marines.   And they weren’t about to let the island go without the fiercest battle of their lives.   I mentioned these “Left Behind” episodes in this episode. Here are the links to check them out. Episode 36: Defend...

The night of January 30-31, 2024, is the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the Cabanatuan POW Camp in 1945. It's also marks the first anniversary of the “Left Behind” podcast. In This Left Behind the Scenes episode, we'll take a look at what we’ve accomplished in the past year (it's pretty remarkable) and get a glimpse at what’s coming in the second year! And I truly, humbly, thank you for you...

“Where’s Dan?”   A 24-year-old WW2 flight nurse asked this question every time she touched down on a new Pacific Island.   A veteran of the Bataan campaign, she had escaped Corregidor Island 2 days before it fell.   Once home, she joined flight nurse training and soon was hopping from one island’s front lines to another’s, sometimes under enemy fire.   What kept her going? She was looking for some...

In the days leading up to the surrender of Corregidor Island, Army Major Paul Wing snapped a picture of 16 exhausted Army men in the Malinta Tunnel. That photo would be one of the last photos smuggled off the island just before the Fall of The Philippines. But that wasn’t the end of the story… All 16 men would soon become prisoners of war and endure hell ships, forced labor, and worse. This is the...

Flown out of Corregidor Island in a daring, last-minute escape in April 1942, Army nurse Rosemary Hogan found herself heading for the safety of Australia. The war on Bataan was a distant memory now. But disaster struck when the plane was forced down on a southern Philippines island – and the Japanese army was fast approaching.   You’ll find images and maps about Rosemary Hogan’s story at: - Instag...

Imagine you’re a ten-year-old living in Honolulu, Hawaii, just a few blocks from Waikiki. Now imagine you wake up on a beautiful December morning to the sounds of planes overhead and explosions not so very far away. You’re too young to understand: Why these planes are attacking. Why your mother and grandmother are so frightened. Why you won’t see your father again for more than 3 years. And you de...

Seriously wounded on the front lines two days earlier, Lt. Jim Daly was bed-bound and immobile in a full-body cast when Bataan fell. And then Japanese forces took control of the field hospital.   You’ll find images and maps about Lt Jim Daly’s story at: - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast   -- www.instagram.com/leftbehindpodcast   - Left Behind Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Left-Behind-Podcast/100...

A behind the scenes look at the process I use to identify POWs to highlight in “Left Behind,” and once chosen, how I find their amazing stories.

Lt. Col. Curtis Beecher’s 1st Battalion was the first line of defense against Japanese landing parties on Corregidor Island. A distinguished WW1 hero and career Marine, Beecher rallied his men to create beach defenses. But when Japanese forces conquered the island anyway, Beecher began 3.5 years as a POW – including surviving the Oryoku Maru disaster.   You’ll find images and maps about Curtis Bee...