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Text originally published in 1948 under the same title.
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Publishers Note
Although in most cases we have retained the Authors original spelling and grammar to authentically reproduce the work of the Author and the original intent of such material, some additional notes and clarifications have been added for the modern readers benefit.
We have also made every effort to include all maps and illustrations of the original edition the limitations of formatting do not allow of including larger maps, we will upload as many of these maps as possible.
Miss U
By
Margaret Utinsky
ILLUSTRATIONS
By
G. G. Estill
FOREWORD
When, on December 8, 1941, a few hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese forces made an equally unprovoked, dastardly attack on the Philippines without declaration of war, those Islands were defended by less than twenty thousand American troops, by one cavalry, two infantry, and two coast artillery regiments of Philippine Scouts which helped to man the heavy armament of the fortified islands at the entrance to Manila Bay. The Philippine Army, only partially mobilized, partially equipped, partially trained and officered in the lower grades by partially trained Philippine Army officers, was initially not of much use in the defense of the Islands. Later, after some battle experience, they did quite well.
It is to be remembered that at the time of the sneak attacks on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines, the Japanese had an Ambassador, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, in Washington who was supposed to be negotiating terms for the settlement of differences between our country and Japan, and at the very time, Japanese planes and fleets were approaching Hawaii and the Philippines. The Japs were running true to form.
After having destroyed the greater part of our Air Force in the Philippines on the first day (December 8), about 150,000 Japs, strongly supported by warships and airplanes, to be opposed by only 30,000 troops, all of the untrained Philippine Army except one regiment of Philippine Scout Cavalry, landed in North Luzon. Landings were also made in South Luzon with the proportion of attackers to defenders about the same as in the north. As well attempt to dam Niagara Falls with mud, as to stop the hostile horde with the means available. Withdrawn by order of the High Command to Bataan, Americans and Filipinos made a gallant stand on Bataan and Corregidor until starvation, lack of supplies and ammunition and overwhelming enemy forces finally spelt their doom.
As many as could do so took to the hills and became guerrillas. The remainder underwent the Death March out of Bataan and the horrors, starvation, and in some cases torture of prison camps for over two, and for those who were moved to Japan and Manchuria, for over three years. How the prisoners of war who remained on Luzon were helped by the intrepid souls who stayed outside of the barbed wire is amply set forth in these pages. Those who were discovered helping the prisoners suffered unspeakable tortures and in many cases death.
And the guerrillas rendered valuable services. They continually harassed the enemy, gained valuable information and were ready to and did assist our forces when they made the great counter attack from the south. If these guerrillas were captured, they were put to death after unspeakable torture, which happened to several officers well known to the undersigned. God rest their gallant souls.
Miss U took every chance, ran every risk, and underwent torture in order to help the poor men behind the barbed wire, and finally had to go to the hills and join the guerrillas. Her gallantry and intrepidity were worthy of the best traditions of our country.
J. M. WAINWRIGHT
General, USA, ( Retired )
But I tell you, my lord fool, out of this nettle danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
Shakespeare
CHAPTER I Enemy Alien
IT WAS January the second when the Japanese came into Manila. Through the nearly closed windows of my second-floor apartment I peered out at them. At every street corner Japanese officers with interpreters were setting up card tables, checking everyone who passed, searching for enemy aliens. Enemy alien! That was a queer thing for an American to be in the Philippines.
My radio was tuned low and over it came a stream of orders. All British and Americans were to remain at home until they could be investigated and registered. That meant going into internment camp. The internment was a formality and it would not last long. Just a matter of three or four days, they said.
I was born Peggy Doolin, and having Irish blood, I dont like being told what to do. Thank God, I have never followed advice, even when it was good. To obey instructions and go tamely into an internment camp seemed like the sensible thing to do, but for the life of me I could not see what use I would be to myself or to anyone else cooped up there. So I decided to remain hiddenbarricaded, rather, in my apartment until it was safe to go out and discover for myself what was going on and how I could get to Bataan where my husband was. For from the moment the inconceivable thing happened and the Japanese arrived, there was just one thought in my mindto find Jack.
At least, this would not last. Manila was an open city and the Japanese were only passing through. They said so. Everyone said so. By morning, perhaps, they would be gone as swiftly as they had come.
I had been working as a volunteer nurse with the Red Cross and running a servicemens canteen in my spare time. All that day I had been at the hospital. At six in the evening we were ordered home. On my way I was stopped by the crowds gathering on the street and inquired idly of a man standing near me, Do you think it is true that the Japs will come in tonight?
