MWSA Review

Defenders of the Rock is sobering compilation of twenty-four individual stories of American heroes who defended the Philippines at the very beginning of World War Two. From these stories emerges a comprehensive narrative of the service and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, one coastguardsman, military nurses, and civilians who withstood the Imperial Japanese attack on the Philippine archipelago. The stories include the aftermath of the horrendous Bataan Death March for most, escape and resistance for some, and the deprivation during internment for military women and American civilians.

Because the book is written in a precise biographical style, you can read one section at a time. Given the grim fates of most of the people depicted, being able to only read a few sections at a time is benefit to the reader. Despite the somber nature of the book’s subject, it is inspirational and uplifting to learn from and recall the stories of the defenders of the Philippines.

Review by Terry Lloyd (April 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

Defenders of the Rock preserves the stories of twenty-four individuals who were in the Philippines on December 8, 1941, when war came to the island nation. Their island way of life was shattered in an instant, when the first Japanese bombs exploded. Each story provides a unique perspective on what was occurring to those who were defending the Philippines as they fought back the invaders. They prayed that help would come, but it never arrived. The surrender of the Philippines occurred at noon on Wednesday, May 6, 1942. Of the twenty-four, some would escape capture only to die later during the war, others would become prisoners of war and survive, and others would die in captivity. Some would be tortured and live, while one of them was executed. These twenty-four serve as ambassadors whose courage, honor, and sacrifice represent the thousands of other similar stories we could not include.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 385

Word Count: 66,855