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.
Rating: 
Summary: A roller coaster ride of adventure
Review: The War Journal of Damon "Rocky" Gause is a roller coaster ride of adventure, heroism, sacrifice and survival. The journal takes you back to Rocky's youth in Georgia where he was an avid outdoorsman. His love of the outdoors would do him well as the opening days of World War Two unfold. After leaving his wife of two weeks for the Philippines Rocky finds himself in Manila during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The situation in the Philippines quickly changes to one of survival for the U.S. Forces with Rocky and many of his fellow Army Air Corps troops fighting as infantry on the Bataan Peninsula. He escapes capture and swims three miles to Corregidor still in U.S. control and fights with the 2d Battalion, 4th Marines. He escapes capture again and again with the help of the Filipino people connecting with other displaced soldiers along the way. The most amazing segment of his escape is his voyage on a small diesel powered sailboat 3,200 miles to Australia. Rocky and another escaping U.S. Army Officer sail from island to island over several months, through typhoons and squalls to get back to their units and the war. The voyage was wrought with danger of Japanese patrols and air attacks. You need to read the book to fill in the blanks yourself. While reading Rocky's journal, his respect and admiration for the Filipino people was evident. It is safe to say, that his escape to U.S. control would not have been successful without the assistance of the local populous. This is an outstanding book for anyone of Philippine decent to get a glimpse of the impact of World War two on the Philippine people and their steadfast actions in support of their country and the war effort. If you are interested the World War Two, the Pacific Theater and specifically actions on the Philippine Islands and the Bataan Peninsula then you will be interested in reading this book.
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