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May 05, 2009
Meeting one of Bataan Death March POW's
Here are a few pictures from the Bataan Death March in White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico that a group of us from Brooke Army Medical Hospital finished a few weeks ago.
The race is a tribute race to honor our American POW's who were captured in the Philippines by the Japanese military during World War II. Our boys had to march many miles to the POW Camps where they were held for over three years.
I was even lucky enough to meet a small group of the surviving POW's that are now in their 90's. They're a great bunch of Veterans and it's hard to break away from them when they start to tell you how they overcame the POW Camps. They have many stories about how they survived those dreadful camps.
There were a total of three injured Marines including myself from BAMC at the race. I have seen some pretty amazing things in my life. However, nothing compares to witnessing two injured Marines that I personally know, finish this extremely difficult race. Less than a year has passed by since I visited Corporal Piram in the Intensive Care Unit.
The other injured Marine that has been down here in San Antonio, Texas at the military hospital as long as I have, is Lance Corporal Bradford. LCpl Bradford is blind and he is also a bi-lateral amputee. However, this tough and stubborn Marine marched 10 miles in the mountains that day! Next year he is going to shoot for 15 miles. Both of these injured Marines inspired me and many others that day.
For those of you who are crazy enough to want to complete this race next year, here is a link for you to register. One piece of advice...Bring plenty of moleskin for your feet.
Semper Fi
Sgt TJ Edwards
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Wild Thing's comment.......
What a great write up and photos too. Thank you Sgt TJ Edwards!
The 21st Annual Bataan Memorial Death March
Posted by Wild Thing at May 5, 2009 04:44 AM
Comments
I have read about that annual Bataan Memorial March and know how tough it is. Congratulations to all who entered regardless of how far you went. The March honors some very heroic Americans and Philipinos.
Posted by: TomR at May 5, 2009 12:27 PM
Tom, thank you, I had only heard a little
about it so this was really special to
read this and learn more.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 5, 2009 05:30 PM
RIP August Phillips, Bataan survivor, it was an honor to have known you.
Thank you WT.
Posted by: Jack at May 5, 2009 11:15 PM
