The War Journal of Major Damon "Rocky" Gause: The Firsthand Account of One of the Greatest Escapes of World War II

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Summary: They don't make heroes like this anymore!
Review: Major Damon "Rocky" Gause's "War Journal" chronicles his escape from the Philippines by boat to Australia at the outbreak of WWII. This heroic escape is outlined in detail in this fairly short, very readable account. It gives the reader a feel for the time as well as the incredible odds faced by Major Gause and his shipmate Captain William Lloyd Osborne. This book reads like a screenplay and I can't wait for the movie. Recommended to military and adventure buffs alike. A special thanks to Damon Lance Gause, "Rocky's" son, for sharing his father's heroic escape with the world.

Rating:
Summary: They don't make heroes like this anymore!
Review: Major Damon "Rocky" Gause's "War Journal" chronicles his escape from the Philippines by boat to Australia at the outbreak of WWII. This heroic escape is outlined in detail in this fairly short, very readable account. It gives the reader a feel for the time as well as the incredible odds faced by Major Gause and his shipmate Captain William Lloyd Osborne. This book reads like a screenplay and I can't wait for the movie. Recommended to military and adventure buffs alike. A special thanks to Damon Lance Gause, "Rocky's" son, for sharing his father's heroic escape with the world.

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Summary: Compelling tribute to courage, determination, and will.
Review: Major Damon Rocky Gause's daring escape journey is a gripping narration about two man determined at all cost to beat the odds by choosing freedom over ruthless captivity. Major Gauze's exceptional writing skills turn his journal into a captivating and suspenseful flight amidst impossible adversities. The escape journey is exciting in its own right. But, this wonderful book transcends beyond acts of heroism and patriotism. It is a compelling tribute to courage, determination, and will to overcome adversity of all kinds. Furthermore, it is homage to human spirit, which can bring out its best in the worst of times. I strongly recommend this gratifying and inspiring book to everyone, young and old.

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Summary: Will somebody please say thanks to the Filipinos?
Review: Major Gause was no doubt fearless and daring but he would not have survived the first few weeks after his escape from Corregidor where it not for the assistance and loyalty of Filipinos.

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Summary: Simply Unforgettable
Review: Major Gause's personal account of war in the Phillipines, his capture by Japanese forces, and his subsequent escape to Australia is one of the most compelling narratives I have ever read. His courage, determination and spirit in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds places him in the category of an American Hero.

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Summary: Endless Journey
Review: Overall, in my opinion, the book was very good. The characteristic that I liked most was that it was written in first person. It is the actual account in Gause's words of what happened. If the story had been fiction, it would not have been as enjoyable. It would have been unfair to all the brave soldiers who actually fought in the war to make up a story such as this. However, since the story was real, it gave me a lot of respect for everything that Gause had to go through. He was so brave and so determined. Many people never would have even thought of risking the 3,200-mile voyage to Australia. Gause never gave up, though, even when all hope seemed lost and it did not look like the trip could get any worse. Another characteristic that made the book enjoyable was that it was easy to read. The book used short sentences and simple words. Gause was writing everything in his log, so he did not need long elaborate sentences, or have the time to write them. The book also teaches many lessons. Whenever I look at a challenge that I'm facing, I will realize that maybe it really is not so bad after all. Chances are, I will not be running from the Japanese in a leaky boat like Gause was. The book helps me to put my own problems in perspective. Never, ever, give up. It also teaches the value of friendship. Without the support that Gause and Osborne gave to each other, they never would have made it to Australia. They had their disagreements, but they always managed to settle them. It was very important that they were able to communicate with each other. The book also it gave a real feel for how hard the journey was. There was not anything covering up the hardships. Many times Gause wrote about how bad the conditions were and how he had been overly optimistic right from the beginning. Nothing was done to try and "sugar-coat" the story. Gause was just telling it as it was.

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Summary: Rocky Gause--One of a Kind
Review: Rocky Gause, an Army pilot without a plane, made a wartime escape from the Japanese that was remarkable. His accounting of the day to day adventure is also remarkable. The story, in his own handwriting, was a family treasure until a few years ago, when Rocky's son was asked by his mother to see if it could be published for others to read. Rocky Gause had gone back to war, but this time he didn't return. His story was left as a gift to future generations. If Rocky had returned he might have been a writer--the story is that good. I am an aviation writer myself.

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Summary: Unbelievable, spell-binding story of a real American hero!
Review: The dynamic account of perhaps the most incredible escape of World War II is told in an American patriot's own words. The courage and bravery exhibited by "Rocky" Gause and his companion are underscored by the dramatic directness and understatement of the narrative, taken from the actual diary of this epic escape over thousands of miles of Japanese-controlled Pacific waters. This book stands as a beautiful testament to all the heroes, both living and dead, of World War II.

Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable, spell-binding story of a real American hero!
Review: The dynamic account of perhaps the most incredible escape of World War II is told in an American patriot's own words. The courage and bravery exhibited by "Rocky" Gause and his companion are underscored by the dramatic directness and understatement of the narrative, taken from the actual diary of this epic escape over thousands of miles of Japanese-controlled Pacific waters. This book stands as a beautiful testament to all the heroes, both living and dead, of World War II.

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Summary: The Right Stuff
Review: The saga of Damon Gause should be a reminder to the country that long before "The Right Stuff" was attributed to other brave men, there were thousands of men and women who proved the tenacity of Americans in standing up and risking they're lives to do the right thing. If you're a WWII buff or not, you'll find this story gripping and if you know anything about boating in the open ocean, or not, you will be held spell bound by the perils that were confronted and solved with the greatest imagination (and sometimes humor). As another reviewer pointed out, this book also dramatically demonstrates some of the truly unbelievable risks, and sacrifices made by the people of the Phillipines for the war effort and the abuses they suffferd at the hands of the invaiders. If you want a quick read with an everlasting impact I recommend this book.