South From Corregidor Lt Comdr John Morrill Pete Martin 9781723978326 Books Reviews :

South From Corregidor Lt Comdr John Morrill Pete Martin 9781723978326 Books Reviews

• Let me start by saying this book is truly like no other book I have ever read on the topic of World War Two. It reads like something that should have been made into a movie starring Humphry Bogart great actor like Burt Lancaster.
  
  It is a wonderful, gritty read, about men who defy the odds and try to escape Corregidor as the Japanese accept the surrender of American forces in the Philippines. It shows their anger, concern and desire to escape what they saw as a disaster. They wanted to take their chances.
  
  And they did. They sank their primary ship and took off on a thirty foot half-open boat with the idea of finding Australia. However, in the haste to leave the area they managed to leave without maps and sextant. This is the story of how they survived, may have even thrived in some areas, and managed to do the impossible.
  
  Inside of this book you’ll read what it was like to take big risks. They hid from Japanese patrols, aircraft and even destroyers. They ate what they could find and may have even run into South Pacific cannibals in their quest to escape imprisonment by the Japanese.
  
  But I don’t want to spoil this adventure for you. So I won’t say more.
  
  I have two regrets in regards to this book. The first is simply finding this book so late in my studies. It’s a wonderful read. It’s a treasure like finding Etched in Purple One Soldier’s War in Europe by Frank Irgang. In fact, I think they were published within a year of each other about 1943.
  
  The other regret is I’ve not found a copy of the first edition, yet.
• With men and leadership like this we could not lose any war. Hero’s in action and escape, the boat and the distance traveled, mostly in enemy controlled waters, speak for the incredible tale of survival and leadership. But the details were even better with the daring of landing through dangerous surf to confront strange, possibly dangerous peoples, let alone Japanese troops or sympathizers ashore. To repair and keep afloat their small boat, to stay healthy and single purposed with skill, good will, and discipline speaks to the high moral purpose of these men and the accomplishment of all American men and women who won WWII. Many of these books, first hand accounts of the War, are not easy to read, regardless of the brave story because of the writing style. Most were not written by professional writers. I found this particular raw style fun to read. The vernacular and phrasing is pure American GI, determined, even cocky, streetwise and often very witty and entertaining. I only wish it were more detailed and longer. It’s one of the great group survival and war stories, and I’ve read them all. Up till now!
• Outstanding book and most excellent, (and pleasurable), to read. Truly a story within a story. This escape from the "rock" of the island of Corregidor, Republic of the Philippines, was written in December 1942 and printed in March 1943. The wording and vernacular magically transports the reader back in time. The author and Captain of the 36 foot diesel boat, (that escaped the wrath of the Japanese), Lieutenant Commander John Morrill, writes about one of his shipmates who's stammering problem is akin to that of the likes of the King of England. Morrill has a plethora of similar references to different movie stars and other notables of that timeline. He often refers to WWI as the World War, (apparently WWII didn't have it's moniker when John wrote about his odyssey).
  
  The heroics of this 18 man crew and how they jelled as a team is inspirational. Their 31 day, 2000 mile escape to freedom is just downright phenomenal. John also talks about Longaskagawayan Point and his mission there, (before the fall of Bataan). He was told to put the kibosh on the Japanese by shelling them from the sea via his mine laying ship, the USS Quail. He mentions that the concrete poured for the pill boxes on that mountain coastline, (just west of the Island of Corregidor), were 2 - 5 years old. Meaning the Japanese had some serious plans that were in the works for years prior to the start of WWII. I have had the pleasure of visiting the "rock" when I was stationed at Clark AB, RPI, and remember quite distinctly that mountain side. The locals referred to it as "Kamayian Point". Kamay meaning hand in Tagalog. That side of the mountain jutted out from the Bataan peninsula in five fingers, (if you will), and was thought to be the ideal offensive position for the Japanese Imperial Army -- as it overlooked all shipping coming into and out of Manila Bay. It was reported that of the 400 Japanese defending that point, only 5 survived that deadly shelling, via the USS Quail and the big guns of Corregidor.
  
  A must read for the WWII enthusiast. Most of the 18 man crew that escaped went on to serve the US Navy for 20 - 30 years. John Morrill retired as a Rear Admiral. I'd rate this book six stars if I could. Grab yourself a copy and enjoy the boat ride to freedom! You won't regret it.
• The greatest generation strikes yet again with an amazing account of an almost miraculous escape from an overwhelming force of Japanese invaders early in the battles for control of the Pacific. Using ingenuity, courage, inspiration and ultimately outstanding teamwork these men were able to navigate 1500 miles of hostile seas populated by enemy troops and sailors to successfully reach Australia. They were among only a handful who successfully escaped the tragedy of the surrender of the Philippines in the early, depressing days of WWII. A great and inspiring read, and highly recommended for WWII history buffs.
• factual account of determined and disciplined American sailors sailing in and out of sometimes hostile waters, dodging Jap aircraft, shooting some down, etc, etc. what is perhaps most poignant the cooperation of the Phillipino islanders who despised the enemy more than we did.
  Americans have a very short memory and are too quick to forgiver and embrace. More war history should be taught to our students and read by our people