Rating: 
Summary: Great first-person WWII narrative
Review: "The War Journal of Major Damon 'Rocky' Gause" is a well-told, exciting survival and escape story of World War II. Lieutenant (at the time of the events related in this book) Gause was a pilot stationed in the Phillipines when General MacArthur was ordered to retreat. His plane being destroyed, he fought with the American troops to the bitter end of the defeat of Corregidor, and through the kindness of the Filipinos and natives of the South Pacific, escaped via a 3,200 mile route to Australia.This story may perhaps be the greatest survival and escape tale from World War II. It's full of close calls (a Japanese submarine surfacing next to their craft), thrills (a disguised Nazi officer trying to murder Gause and his companion, Lt. Osbourne, in their sleep), quirks (getting much-needed help from a leper colony) and hardships (their small wooden craft being thrown about in a storm). The book also has some truly touching moments--the kindness and loyalty of the Filipinos who were willing to aid Gause despite the risk, and the picture of Gause with his son, whom he saw for a mere few hours before his deployment and subsequent death in Europe in a training exercise. The book is written simply (but is not a simple book), and not too politically correct (which I don't think Maj. Gause would care for being, anyway). The story flows well, and the foreward and afterword by Maj. Gause's son are well-done. The book would be improved by the inclusion of more maps showing their route and a timeline, and perhaps the reproduction of some of the original ship's log pages. The book also has a prologue by Stephen Ambrose (whose imprimatur should promptly silence those questioning the credibility of the story).
Rating:
Summary: Great first-person WWII narrative
Review: "The War Journal of Major Damon 'Rocky' Gause" is a well-told, exciting survival and escape story of World War II. Lieutenant (at the time of the events related in this book) Gause was a pilot stationed in the Phillipines when General MacArthur was ordered to retreat. His plane being destroyed, he fought with the American troops to the bitter end of the defeat of Corregidor, and through the kindness of the Filipinos and natives of the South Pacific, escaped via a 3,200 mile route to Australia. This story may perhaps be the greatest survival and escape tale from World War II. It's full of close calls (a Japanese submarine surfacing next to their craft), thrills (a disguised Nazi officer trying to murder Gause and his companion, Lt. Osbourne, in their sleep), quirks (getting much-needed help from a leper colony) and hardships (their small wooden craft being thrown about in a storm). The book also has some truly touching moments--the kindness and loyalty of the Filipinos who were willing to aid Gause despite the risk, and the picture of Gause with his son, whom he saw for a mere few hours before his deployment and subsequent death in Europe in a training exercise. The book is written simply (but is not a simple book), and not too politically correct (which I don't think Maj. Gause would care for being, anyway). The story flows well, and the foreward and afterword by Maj. Gause's son are well-done. The book would be improved by the inclusion of more maps showing their route and a timeline, and perhaps the reproduction of some of the original ship's log pages. The book also has a prologue by Stephen Ambrose (whose imprimatur should promptly silence those questioning the credibility of the story).
Rating:
Summary: An American Hero
Review: "Rocky's" personal account sheds an important light on a very dark period in the Pacific, the opening days of the war...a time when America needed hope and heroes and got them in men like Major Damon "Rocky" Gause. A very interesting story of courage and determination. Add this to your required reading list.
Rating:
Summary: An American Hero
Review: "Rocky's" personal account sheds an important light on a very dark period in the Pacific, the opening days of the war...a time when America needed hope and heroes and got them in men like Major Damon "Rocky" Gause. A very interesting story of courage and determination. Add this to your required reading list.
Rating:
Summary: The War Journal of Major Damon "Rocky" Gause
Review: ...the greatest generation is all around us and dying everyday. I am an active duty Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. My father is a retired Navy veteran. He served in the Navy from March 1942 until 1961. He entered the Navy on his 17th birthday in 1942. I have always been fascinated how a boy could go off to war for the "duration." In today's military we want to know when our rotation is up. This past 12-18 months I have read numerous Ambrose books, Citizen Soldier, D-Day, Eisenhower's Lieutenants, Brokaws The Greatest Generation and even Lavyrle Spencer's Morning Glory. All wonderful books. My wife insisted I read Morning Glory, a romance novel set in the 30s and 40s. I couldn't put the book down. The War Journal of Damon "Rocky" Gause have brought all the above books together for me. A friend sent me the book for Christmas and I couldn't put it down. The high adventure puts you on the edge of your seat through out the book. It almost doesn't seem real. It seems more like a movie. As we know art imitates life and in this book it really does. A must read for those who want to understand what dedication to country and family is all about. I'm proud to be an Amercian and very proud to serve our country in the United States Army. "HOOAH!"ΓΏ
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring account of escape from WWII Japanese prison camp
Review: A book like this that is a factual account of the most remarkable escape of WWII is like finding a diamond in a bin of zircon. What makes this book so significant is that it is a parable about the true strength of this nation.Major Gause grew up in a small town and spent many hours of his youth in the woods and fields of his native Georgia. In a derelict boat with only a small compass and a crude map to guide them Major Gause, along with Captain Osborne, managed to cross over 3200 miles of hostile territory to report for duty in Australia. In one of the most remarkable episodes Major Gause, after escaping Corregidor, disguised himself as a Spaniard and actually has dinner with a Japanese colonel in a Manila restaurant while on a self initiated spying mission. This book is a fitting tribute to what Tom Brokaw has termed 'The Greatest Generation'. I think after reading this book that you will agree that Major Gause and Captain Osborne have certainly earned the utmost respect, admiration, and thanks of all of us who enjoy the freedom that is the fruit of their many sacrifices. My only question is, "Who is going to play the lead role in the movie that Miramax plans to make of this book?"
Rating:
Summary: A Great Escape Book
Review: A great book about WWII escape. I couldn't put book down once I started reading. A must read for anyone interested in WWII history.
Rating: 
Summary: A Classic Tale of Escape & Evasion!
Review: As a little kid growing up during WW II, I heard lots of war stories and knew of the heroic exploits of Butch O'Hare, "Jumping Joe" Clifton, Richard Bong, Beach, and many others. It has taken a long time for Rocky Gause's story to finally be told. I salute his courage and patriotism. One never knows the limits of human endurance except for acts of men such as Gause and his fellow officer. I recommend this audiotape.
Rating:
Summary: A truly great find
Review: As a Vietnam war veteran, I'm impressed. Can't wait for the movie. It'll be super.
Rating:
Summary: A Fascinating First-Person Account of War
Review: Beautifully written and unpretentious, this book amazes and inspires! A classic World War II account!
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