Jerry Frech

Pretty good overview

Revisado: 03-12-24

This is a short listen and a good resource for learning about the resistance movements within the Philippines. I liked how the book started yet by the end I felt subjected to a long diatribe of political rhetoric that I could do without. Some of it was more opinion than fact, especially with the US Forces leaving in 1992; they weren’t evicted. It is obvious that the writers are pro-Duterte and Chinese which shapes their final opinions.

The Narrator keeps mispronouncing places which is quite irritating after a bit. Whom ever is responsible for editing the audio needs to listen closer; at one point the narrator states the R—- of Nanking occurred in 1973 when it was 1937. Had to listen to it twice.

Overall it is good for learning new names and resources.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

As an audible book it needs a better performance.

Revisado: 08-16-23

I have been reading through a number of books on the topics of Philippines WW2 guerrilla warfare and had just Mike Gaurdia’s book about Russell Volckman. The contrast of accounts and views that Hunt and Volckman are quite fascinating.

Hunt is a likable and down to earth kind of guy in my view. His actions are from the perspective of an enlisted man and offers a unique first person view of the war. He details the challenge of running an operation and give poignant insight to the overall big picture of the war. He holds back no criticism of Blackburn and Volckman but is careful to emphasize that these are from his views on the ground there in the Philippines. Most of his praise goes to the guerrilla groups in his immediate area such as Lapham.

Overall I really enjoyed his side of the war more than Volckman’s. But that is my opinion.

As for the performance; it holds this story back with one mispronunciation after another. In one case the name Volckman (pronounced as Volk-Man) is the subject of a chapter but pronounced his name as Vo-leck-man. Then within a few paragraphs refers to him in the proper pronunciation. I had to rewind to make sure that we were talking about the same guy a few times. On top of that many locations are so poorly pronounced I had to look up where they were talking about just to find out it is a location I know of and am familiar with just never heard it said that way.

If it weren’t for the performance I’d listen to it again but it is an ordeal.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

An intimate ride along to the start of WWII

Revisado: 07-24-23

This book was thoroughly enjoyable and I couldn’t stop listening.

Often times it is difficult to find good book with such detailed personal accounts. As a Filipino American that has been trying to find more stories about this period; this book fulfills those interests.

Despite the length of the book it seems to go by fast. The author starts out in the late depression era and discusses Charles’ enlistment, boot camp, and A-School. Even describing what the feelings of everyday Americans thought about a potential war. From war to the Arabica coffee served on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe rails the author paints a brilliant picture of the era.

Continuing on, the Philippine Islands were vividly presented, capturing the beauty & the life of servicemen and women in the prewar era. The complacent attitudes, officers’ caring about their golf scores more than there readiness, and overall lackadaisical behavior sets up a harrowing ride through the islands that include a very special mission, diseases, battle, and more.

One of the other reasons I like this book: the PT escape of MacArthur - which is well documented in other books - is told through Charles’ experience. Familiar names will emerge and other historical events are mentioned including a walk through the Malinda Tunnels, the Del Monte Air Field, and of course Bataan.

Once again, I can’t overstate how great this book is and hope you enjoy it too.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Well Researched yet Troubled

Revisado: 07-12-23

I admire the research that went into this book and feel that it is a memorial to those who died needlessly at the hands of a defeated Japanese army.

Yet the end of the book plays out a courtroom drama regarding Yamashita’s guilt and his trial. I don’t agree with the handling of the trial but I feel that the author almost turns on the reader and the victims by portraying him as an innocent bystander. I feel this way because there’s just too much focus on it especially after spending eight chapters detailing such terrible atrocities. For me I would’ve liked to hear more about what happened to the victims. The real heroes. The ones who stood up to testify!

If this book ever gets a movie deal it would probably be all about Yamashita’s trial and less about the atrocities coupled with American self-hatred and revisionism.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Insightful and thought provoking

Revisado: 06-14-23

Here Eckhertz interviews five veterans from each beach and asks them to describe what they saw. This is a treasure of information.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona