Escape: A True Story
The following is a true account as told to me by my father
Author's Note: To eliminate some confusion, my father is narrating this story not me
In the summer of 1945 during the end of the World War II, my father Dohn was held captive in a Japanese military camp. Japanese forces had conquered the south- central banks of the Mekong River of Laos, namely Muang Khong near the Lao-Cambodian border. It was here that his plight took place, as I recall from memory the incredible story told to me by my mother when I was a mere adolescent in the wake of my father ’ s death.
As lieutenant and battalion leader, my father struggled to survive at the hands of the Japanese troops and so maintained his morale as his men ’ s hope for survival hinged on his unrelenting will. For more than a week, he and his battalion of fourteen soldiers were undernourished and barely were given enough water to survive. Seeing first-hand the poor treatment of his soldiers by the cruel Japanese soldiers, my father vowed that he would find the means of escape and leave safely with the remaining members of his battalion and not without rightly punishing his foreign captors.
One night when at his breaking point, my father saw his opportunity and took full advantage. He reached out from his cell and grabbed the first guard on duty and broke his neck with his bare hands. He then disarmed the second guard with the help of one of his soldiers—how exactly they did so, I ’ m not certain. He was careful to not make any noise so as to not alarm the other Japanese soldiers at the camp, managing to leave his cell along with the rest of his battalion. The cell door was fastened by a heavy chain and so my father was able to take the dead guard ’ s key and escape. At this point, I am not certain whether or not my father and his platoon killed off the rest of the enemy camp, only that their entire battalion that totaled fifteen men managed to successful escape unscathed that night to Kong Island which, was nine kilometers away and then another fifteen kilometers to Taebeur, Cambodia or what is modern-day Kampuchea. He ordered his troops to rendezvous there before their plight should any of them get separated from the rest of the battalion.
Once in rural Taebeur, the sympathetic local villagers were willing and able to provide for the friendly soldiers with food, water and shelter. Unbeknownst to my father and the battalion, the war was by then coming to an end, as the Americans would drop their atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima on August 6th and August 9th . One of the villagers had caught wind of the news as it was broadcasted over an old radio. My father ’ s battalion rejoiced in triumph with tears of joy. The Japanese had been defeated. They could all finally go home. When reaching the mainland of Laos, my father ’ s feelings turned back to the Japanese soldiers, as his feelings were bittersweet because as far as his eyes could see along the banks of the mighty Mekong River, which bought both life and death, hundreds of dead Japanese soldiers lay strewn on the ground like fallen trees. Their message was clear: Rather than face dishonorable defeat at the hands of their enemies, they took their own lives. The blood from their bodies flowed into the Mekong River where it washed away out into the ocean.
Before my father left this world, he instructed me more than anything else, to remember: “ Remember me and remember your past, ” he said to me. “ Remember all the things I’ve taught you…Remember my struggles for when I leave this world, the memory of me will all that will be left. Be forever grateful of the Americans that ended this war when they did, because there is no telling how long it would have continued and how many more lives would have been sacrificed—just look at how many of their boys died in Normandy alone...If not for the Americans, our country would still to this day be occupied by the Japanese, who bayoneted helpless babies in the cruel act of war, because for any person in this world that shares with me a common enemy, I will proudly die alongside him and call him my brother. ”
Copyright 2009
Comments
Hudson Moore sings country. His music reeseblms the best of Eli Young & Casey Donahew. He gets it, especially in terms of the current market for this type of music. Pat Green knew what was up, so does Hudson Moore.
This is a very moving story and very well-written.
Besides being an important addition to our understanding of history, is reminds us that, as each generation passes, we need to record their memories so they aren't lost to our children.
L.T.
People with good values are always inspirations to their children and children remember them with all the respect they deserve,Your father was a brave man.Thanks for sharing.
Very honorable family you have. Thank you for the nice hub. GBY
dohn, I'm always late! But for sure better late than never! By sharing these memories you are fulfilling your grandfather's wish. I have similar stories from my own grandfather. It's amazing how many lives are affected by War
Wow, I'm glad I found this! What an amazing story! I've got a few up my sleeve that my Gramps told me - he was in, where was it? Singapore I think and working in some war office - anyway, he reckons he was one of the first people in the world to know the war was over as the message saying the Japanese had surrendered came through on his telegraph machine. Darn, I wish he'd kept it but he threw it away! Our grandfathers do have some incredible stories to tell though! I may write some down some day!
This was a moving story of bravery and dedication. I would like to know when your book is published.
Thank you so much for writing this powerful story of survival and giving a voice to people who do not have one anymore.
Stories like that need to be told because the world needs to know.
This is the only thing that motivates me to write my true and painful stories about my own and my family’s struggle back in Romania during the communist era.
Only if we remember the world will not forget. Keep on writing Dohn and tell the story; I know you have a lot more to say. Thank you and God bless
John, your story is extremely compelling! I am glad your father had the courage to fight, instead of staying at that camp and dying. All those 15 men escaped too! What a legacy to share. I read your comment where you are shopping for a publisher for your first book, I hope you find the best! Talk about a journey and an escape, I wrote about my months as a child in Detroit and our escape from a really depressing situation in one of my hubs as well. What a brave man, your dad. Thank you for your stories, I will be reading them all periodically.
great DOHN, it was a touching piece and I could also feel for your father, in 1941, when the Pearl Harbor was bombed, the Japanese occupied the Philippines and many women were raped, soldiers dead, and we were a colony of America at that time, but they came back to liberate us from the Japs,
Nice piece and memory is flashing back for me, and I remember my grandfather too who have the same message with your dad,
great one, thank you, Maita
Hi Dohn, when I came to see your hubs after you posted to mine about my dad, I see we also have war stories of the Japanese in common. My dad was a WWII Vet. and also, witnessed the brutal deaths of women and children. He carried those atrocities with him all his life, because he couldn't save them from harm. He was an electrician and had to play dead on a pole fixing the phone lines, while the Japanese made potshots at him, hanging, believing he was already dead. That saved his life. Some of these stories I wish I just did not know, but at the same time, glad I know, because it keeps it fresh in my mind, why I hate these wars so much. Usually a child doesn't understand the magnitude of war unless they are directly involved. It's too sad to believe, but reality non the less. I really try to just focus on the fact, he made it through, and when he was home, he made our family, worked hard, and took care of us. I too am sorry of your fathers death, maybe they will know each other on the other side, where there is no war. Let's just hope. Thank you for your thoughtful post to me!
My Dad was also a paratrooper like your Dad and Grandfather. Mine fought in the European theatre and like yours, did not want to talk much about it. Both of my brothers were in Viet Nam.
This story came from your heart as most of yours do. Well done! It would make for a good movie script.
Your grandfather's story is amazing and you told it beautifully. This kind of story raises one's hope in humanity at large. When individuals can rise above the horror around them and bring others with them, that is true greatness. I can't wait to read your novel when it is published.
Hi dohn! It was thrilling and touching. Thanks.
I started reading Part One of Revenge Inc. and somehow I came upon this wonderful Hub of yours. And it reminded me (especially as I read the comments) of the night my daughter was born. For it is tradition where I come from to name a child after a deceased relative, The idea being that the soul of the departed will have an affect on the baby. And so when I was pregnant I had my fathers father in mind to whom I would honor and remember. It wasnt until after she was born that night, that my mom told me . . 30 years to the date, my Grandfather died in the very same hospital where I gave birth.
And you were blessed with your Grandfathers name for so many good reasons and one I know for sure is that his spirit and memory will never be lost. And as strong as he was . .you carry the same in the here and now.
Coincidence . .call it what ever. . but if you look at that word. . .it is really a co - incident with magic and wonder behind it.
As always your stories, your words. . .always move me to a wonderful place. Thank you my friend for I really enjoyed every second of this.
I just came across this Dohn— your father seems like a very majestic and noble man. Most of us may think we would do the same as he did, but when we are on the field— watching all those deaths; only then do we realize how difficult it must be to gain courage under fire. Thank you for allowing us too to remember such an honorable and heroic man. May he forever rest in peace and live along our memories.
Dohn, this is a very emotional story. Also well written. Those men with your grandfather were the real heros. I am glad that you were able to write this story.Thank you again.
realy a true and nice story.... great man
Wow Dohn! That is some great story and so well told too. So your family motto should be the same as mine, remember this Ne Obliviscaris, Do Not Forget; Clan Campbell. Write that down my friend and hang it on a wall.
Thanks for this, dohn121, I know now why you are proud of your name.
A heart wrenching story. 40 years after WW II, my mother was still plucking bomb shrapnel from my father's back and neck. He called them "war souvenirs". Every time I see a Veteran from any war, I think, "Home of the brave." Amazing human beings. Thanks for writing your story.
That made me cry I could hear a man's voice who was brave enough to save his men. My father told me to that the Japanese were very mean men. I am certain that it has calmed down but I would not ever care to visit Japan not anytime soon anyway. I am so glad that you are so proud of your father, he certainly is a good man. :)
great work!! I realyy enjoyed your piece
This is a wonderful story, and so vivid, thanks for sharing it.
Hopefully not in Iran. You have no idea how dangerous that is.
Very interesting story! It's sad how they committed suicide in order to prevent being killed at the hands of the Japanese. And it's sad how the Japanese shot babies. Hopefully, there won't be any war someday. It's always messy, gruesome, destructive, and sadistic things tend to take place.
Dohn121: You have honored both your father and your grandfather in this writing. Your grandfathers desire to be remembered is as powerful as it is important. For it is to the doom of men that they forget.
As their heir and offspring, it was for you they sacrificed. In return, your desire to pass on the memory of their heroism to people like me honors them and inspires me.
Thank you for the doing
ABR
That was an incredible story! You must be proud to have a father as a lieutenant?!
Good for him. War is a terrible thing but your grandfather had the good fortune and the courage and the intelligence to save the lives of his soldiers. That's a great feat worth celebrating for generations to come in your family. Congratulations!!!
Wow dohn121, your story is so amazing and wonderful description.
hi dohn,
what an amazing story. your father was so brave and what an adventure. you must be so proud of him.
I knew you had something up your sleeve, man. I knew it! Ha ha ha. Sounds all interesting. 8 years? You're a nut! And people called me mad for working on my novel for 2 years! Ha ha ha. Big deal! Lol.
Wow, this could be make a good film, dohn. One of those Oscar types. We might look into this together in the future, my man. Very intense story. Kick-ass to the max! Yeah!
Hi Dohn,
At one point in my marriage, my late hubby and I thought about getting a farm. After much consideration, he said to me, no, I don't think it's a good idea. I asked why not. He said, because, we'd starve. You'd have a name for every animal on the farm. He was right of course :)
That was a sad story. Your grandfather was something. You can be proud of his spirit and the sacrifice he gave for his country.
Hi dohn,
I once volunteered for an animal shelter's Pet Therapy program. I would take a puppy and kitten once a month to a nursing home. I did this for about a year. How I loved engaging with the folks. They'd tell me wonderful stories of their departed pets and share their pictures with me. Many times it was sad because one time, a woman asked me could I please leave the puppy, that she'd take good care of it and nobody would know she had it. I had to explain to her that that was not possible :(
After a year, I stopped as it was emotionally draining at times, plus, I had to return to the work force. I don't regret one single moment, and if I could, I'd do it again.
A wonderful story. I've long since lost my grandparents. Many times I wish I had taken time to hear their stories and to ask them what their lives were like when they were young. But alas, I was young too. It's only now that I've reached their age that I regret not doing so. Sadly, there aren't many relatives left who could even tell me anything, and the ones that are, I don't even know where they are.
Thanks for sharing and welcome to HubPages :)
Wow I am a big fan of war stories and movies. This was very captivating and well written.
Great story! I had no idea you were laotion! I am too! =)
I love your hubs!
Sabaidee Aiy Dohn! It's great to meet you too! I think you're right.. we may be the only two for now. I think I joined July 3rd? I'm just trying to get a hang of this whole literary hub thing, but I enjoy reading all the wonderful stories and meeting so many great people! I remember my mom and dad talking about Nong Khai too.. wouldn't it be crazy if we were there the same time?
Hello Dohn! I'm also from Laos and my father served in the Vietnam war too.That's a great story and I can't wait to read the final version in print. I love hearing stories that preserve memories such as this. Loyal soldiers that fight for a good cause. Of course I'm referring to our American soldiers as well. They are ALL brave heros.
Hi Dohn, An amazing story, what a brilliant man!
Thank you for your comments on my first hub - this is a wonderful part of the world.
You have quite a legacy - great story, and a great tribute to your father and grandfather - thank you for sharing it with us.
Hey your daddy was one tough cookie...... nice hub
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