Return from the Zero Ward

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the origins of Left Behind podcast and some of the people highlighted so far in the podcast’s first 60 episodes. This episode was originally given as a presentation at the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society and American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society co-conference in April 2024 in Houston, Texas. The presentation has been recorded here since the original wasn’t recorded.   Watch the video of this presentation on YouTube   Listen to the full episodes about the men and women mentioned in this episode: Alma Salm–The inspiration for Left Behind Harry Whitman – Salm’s marching companion to Cabanatuan POW Camp Frank Pyzick – Marine Major who announced WW2 Alexander Nininger – 1st Medal of Honor recipient in WW2 Jose Calugas – Only Filipino to receive the Medal of Honor in WW2 Willibald Bianchi – Third and final man to receive the Medal of Honor on Bataan Jim Daly – Was in a field hospital when Bataan surrendered Eunice Hatchitt – Escaped from The Philippines, followed Patton’s army through Europe Father William Cummings – Performed the Easter morning miracle on Bataan Canopus Storekeepers – Hid from Japanese in a civilian internment camp The iconic Bataan Death March photo Last photo smuggled off Corregidor Island Crew of the USS Quail who escaped to Australia Irving Strobing – Sent last message off Corregidor Ray Hunt – Escaped Bataan Death March to become a wanted guerilla Lucy Wilson – Became a flight nurse to find her fiancé Marcos Macorro – Served with his father in Coast Artillery Dan Figuracion – Part of last cavalry charge in US Army history Felipe Fernandez – Led his men in last-minute escape from Bataan    

An inside look into the infamous “Zero Ward,” so named because POWs who went there had zero chance of returning. And one man’s relentless work to bring one of them home.   Learn more about John Eakin’s work to bring Bud Kelder and other unidentified men home: Interview with Eakin (Left Behind episode 18)  BataanMissing.com – A Resource for Families of All US MIA's   You can see images and maps about Bud Kelder’s and Silas Whaley’s stories at: Left Behind Website (includes transcript & sources) Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast   Left Behind Facebook page    Wanna know more? Check out these Left Behind episodes mentioned in this episode: The march to Cabanatuan POW Camps, which Pvt. Silas Whaley endured (episode 53) Bataan Field Hospital #2, where Pvt. Bud Kelder was stationed (episode 25)  More about Bataan Hospital #2 (episode 40) How Willibald Bianchi received the Medal of Honor (episode 20)

In this special Memorial Day episode, we’re remembering 5 remarkable men who were Killed in Action, sacrificing their all to defend their country and The Philippine Islands during the early months of World War 2.   Hear the full stories of the men highlighted in this episode: Capt. Colin Kelly -- pilot of first B-17 bomber downed in WW2 (episode #4) Lt. James Booher -- KIA at Bataan airfield (episode #7) Lt. Alexander "Sandy" Nininger -- First WW2 Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (episode #16) Lt. Ira Cheaney -- Missing on Bataan for 80 years (episode #17) Capt. Noel Castle -- Marine marksman killed during Corregidor invasion (episode 44)   Share memorial tributes to these men by visiting Left Behind on Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Left-Behind-Podcast/100092698653154/ 

Four young American POWs attempted to escape from the Cabanatuan POW Camp.   After being caught, they endured brutal punishment, forced to dig their graves, and executed by firing squad.   But, by war’s end, their burial location couldn’t be found. Would their remains ever be located, and would their murderer be brought to justice?     I mentioned the following episodes in today’s episode: #53 – Attacks on Manila Bay’s harbor defense forts #55 – March to Cabanatuan   You’ll find images and maps about these men’s story at: - Left Behind Website (includes transcript with sources) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook

What if you could visit the Manila American Cemetery without leaving your home? Or walk the rows of in Normandy and discover each man's story?   That's what the Memory Anchor Explorer app allows anyone, anywhere to do.   Join me in an inspiring conversation with the apps co-founders to discover how they’re shaping the future of commemoration through technology.   DOWNLOAD the Memory Anchor App wherever you get apps, including: Apple App Store Google Play   I’ve worked with Memory Anchor to add these men featured on “Left Behind": Lynn Weeman (episode 26) James Booher (episode 7) Francis Bridget (episode 13) Noel Castle (episode 44) James Gallagher (episode 27) Don Robins (episode 4) Norman Thenell (episode 32) Walter Wernher (episode 41)   You’ll find images of the Memory Anchor Explorer app online at: - Left Behind Website (includes transcript) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook

In late May 1942, American POWs captured on Corregidor endured a hellish train ride and march to Cabanatuan’s infamous POWs camps. Among them was Navy Ensign Whitman, who, weakened by malaria and lack of food and water, struggled to keep pace with the relentless march. Despite comrades' aid, Whitman's condition worsened. And as his strength waned, he collapsed, left by the roadside as his fellow prisoners pressed on.   Check out these other “Left Behind” episodes mentioned in Whitman’s story: #1 – Frank Pyzick – one of 3 POWs who inspired the “Left Behind” journey #13 – The Naval Battalion’s unlikely efforts to hold off a Japanese invasion #50 – Details of what Whitman endured at the 92nd Garage POW camp #41 – Highlights Walter Wernher, a Cabanatuan Camp #2 POW #32 – Inside the brutal Death March ending – Camp O’Donnell   You’ll find images and maps about Whitman’s story at: - Left Behind Website (includes sources and transcript) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook

WW2 reenactor Victor Verano brings history to life through immersive experiences. In this fun and informative interview, he'll share his experiences at large WW2 reenactments, encounters with WWII veterans, and exploration of battlefields. You'll really enjoy Victor's passion for living history, which enriches our understanding of the past.   Here’s the link to Victor’s first Left Behind interview about his reenactment work with the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society.     You’ll find images of Victor Verano’s reenactment and other living history experiences online at: Left Behind Website (includes transcript) Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  Left Behind Facebook 

The fates of two servicemen – a career Army officer and a young medical doctor – intertwined during the harrowing siege at Fort Frank, a small island defense in Manila Bay. From the front lines to captivity at Cabanatuan POW Camp, they each battled disease, constant threats, and despair with unwavering resolve.   Here are links to the other episodes mentioned in this episode: #40. Nurse Rosemary Hogan who worked at Sternberg Hospital with Maj. Goad  #34. Lt Chet Britt served under Col. Boudreau’s command at Ft. Wint  #44. Invasion of Corregidor  #48. Capt. Morrill’s unlikely escape to Australia #50. The POW experience at the 92nd Garage on Corregidor   #24. Gen. Kings surrender of Battan and POW camp experiences    You’ll find images and maps about Col. Boudreau’s and Maj. Goad’s stories at: Left Behind Website (includes transcript with sources):  Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast   Left Behind Facebook page 

82 years ago – April 9, 1942 – some 75,000 American and Filipino servicemen became POWs when Bataan peninsula fell to Japanese forces.   With in days the overwhelming majority of them were forced onto the Bataan Death March.   These are their stories.   I mention the following men in this episode: Jim Gallagher – Sportswriter from Philly who died on the first day of the march (Episode 27) Ray Hunt – The young air corpsman who escaped the march and became a guerilla leader (Episode 28) Jack and Bobby Aldrich – Brothers who served in the same Artillery unit and marched together (Episode 29) Gen Ed King – The man who surrendered Bataan (Episode 24) Lester Tenney – A tank man in the army reserves who was injured on but survived the Death March (Episode 2)  Pantingan River Massacre – When the Japanese killed some 300 surrendered Filipino soldiers (episode 31) A young POW’s search for water at Camp O’Donnell (episode 32)

Sometimes I encounter not-so-great things while researching family trees. I’ll let you in on the 7 ways I handle bad blood and family secrets -- with sensitivity and empathy -- in the stories I research for Left Behind.   Here’s the link to Alma Salm’s episode (#50), which I mentioned in this episode.