1051: An American POW's Remarkable Journey Through World War II

by Paul Fridlund, Millard E. Hileman

An American soldier in WWII, Millard Hileman recieved permission to escape surrender during the fall of Bataan in 1942. He successfully escaped along with several other men, evading capture for over a year. Fourteen months after becoming a fugitive, Japanese threats toward Filipinos who had risked their lives to aid them compelled Hileman and another comrad to surrender themselves.

Hileman recounts his experiences as a prisoner of war, first in the execution chamber of Bilibid prison, where he was tortured and interrogated for three months, and then at a forced labor camp in Kokura, Japan, where he was only known by his prisoner number, 1051. He tells of the escape, capture, imprisonment, and the changing relationships between men who are forced to live under abnormally extreme conditions.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing story depicts my grandfather’s harrowing journey as a prisoner of war in World War II.

[Cami Eakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of knowing Millard and Bea. Grateful for his sharing of this journey and life experience. Brutal as it was poignant moments and a life well lived.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. It was so good it actually interferred with work. Very eyeopening to the way the Japenese treated their POWs.

This is the journey of one man who escaped from the Bataan Death March hid in the hills and finally gave up and turned himself in after locals were being tortured and murdered in the Japanese effort to find him.

It tells the details of his survival of the Japanese POW Camps and his final release after the war.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing read! The strength of the American spirit shines through.