“The greatest World War II story never told†(Esquire)—an enthralling account of the heroic mission to rescue the last survivors of the Bataan Death March. On January 28; 1945; 121 hand-selected U.S. troops slipped behind enemy lines in the Philippines. Their mission: March thirty rugged miles to rescue 513 POWs languishing in a hellish camp; among them the last survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March. A recent prison massacre by Japanese soldiers elsewhere in the Philippines made the stakes impossibly high and left little time to plan the complex operation. In Ghost Soldiers Hampton Sides vividly re-creates this daring raid; offering a minute-by-minute narration that unfolds alongside intimate portraits of the prisoners and their lives in the camp. Sides shows how the POWs banded together to survive; defying the Japanese authorities even as they endured starvation; tropical diseases; and torture. Harrowing; poignant; and inspiring; Ghost Soldiers is the mesmerizing story of a remarkable mission. It is also a testament to the human spirit; an account of enormous bravery and self-sacrifice amid the most trying conditions.
#773291 in Books 1999-08-17 1999-08-17Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.94 x .70 x 5.18l; #File Name: 037575475X368 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Semi-autobiographical? What a lucky woman!!!By CustomerI read my first Gene Stratton-Porter novel some months ago and loved it! I am now in the process of reading them all in the order they were published. I understand this; although a novel; has some basis in the author's real life. The characters in her family are all so fine; true; upstanding; faithful that I wish they were my neighbors. Life was simpler back then (early 1900s) but it was refreshing to read about a time when there were no phones; computers; cars; etc. I do think the ending was a bit contrived and wished she had described the final event as thoroughly as a similar one earlier in the book. My favorite parts were the spelling bee; little sister giving the Princess' message to Laddie and Laddie advising the Princess' father of his qualities. There are so many many more!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating account of the author's childhoodBy Susan A. WilliamsThis is based on the mid 1800s childhood of the author; one of our country's first female botanists. Much more was expected of children; and their education standards were far superior to ours today. Moral character; honor; and a person's integrity were a social norm. Hospitality was a way of life. It is a fascinating story of generations past and one we could all benefit from.20 of 20 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely delightful!By BookLoverI knew nothing about this book when I started reading it. I thought it would be like "Farmer Boy" but it was quite different. I found it delightful. I loved the strong theme of family togetherness. I loved the characters; even if Laddie did seem too good to be true. As one reviewer pointed out; the religious elements are a bit strong at times but I didn't mind it too much. I plan to read this story again with my family and add it to our list of classics.
