Hell's Guest

by Glenn Frazier

“It was the 1930s in southern Alabama where cotton and cornfields were the backdrop of my childhood stage. I was growing up just like everyone else—wrapped in a simple and predictable way of life. Folks were the same, weather was the same, the calendar was the same. It was such an uncomplicated time that I could never have imagined that in just a few short years the entire world would be engulfed in war and that I would be caught in the middle of it. Where I lived in Lowndes County, events in Europe and Asia, as menacing as they were, seemed light-years away. I would soon discover that they were not so far away after all.”So begins this powerful memoir about a teenage boy who, during the summer of 1941 after his high school graduation, realizes he’s in love with a 16-year-old beautiful brunette he has known since first grade. In the heat of a grief-stricken and passion-filled moment, however, he makes an impulsive decision that will change his life in a dark and cruel way. Running away from home, he falsifies his age and hurriedly joins the Army, telling none of his family or friends. Within a month, he is halfway around the world, stationed in the Philippines, propelled into manhood, and all too soon engaged in horrific combat against the Japanese.After months of fierce fighting, Frazier’s heart is broken and his mind is numb as he watches while Old Glory is lowered and replaced by the Japanese flag of the Rising Sun. Overnight everything changes and his freedom, along with the freedom of thousands of others, instantly disappears. During the next seven nights and six days, and for 90 miles, he is subjected to the unspeakable and inhumane horrors of the infamous Bataan Death March. But that is just the beginning. Frazier becomes a shell of a man as he suffers three and a half years of brutal and unmerciful treatment as a prisoner of war in the Philippines and later in Japan. In Hell’s Guest, Colonel Frazier shares his dreadful experiences most poignantly, including the endless agony of torture, slave labor, solitary confinement, starvation, lack of adequate clothing against the elements of the weather, and all types of other abuse. At the same time, his hatred for the Japanese grows into an all-consuming force, and someday, if he survives, he is determined to get even. This captivating story doesn’t end with the surrender of the Japanese army. Frazier will eventually return home yet still remain a prisoner of his own bitterness and anger—enemies that will continue to inflict wounds that no doctors can heal.This compelling story cannot be put down until the last chapter is read and true freedom and peace are regained. “Colonel Frazier’s story of survival makes him a hero—his story of forgiveness makes him a legend!” (Timothy Frost, retired Staff Sergeant, United States Army)

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2012

Reviews

[Anna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason the “Great” generation has been called such. This book, the biography of a WW 2 POW and American hero, is truly a great story. It is a reminder of a more simple time in this country when patriotism was heralded, and character commended.

I had the privilege to be sent the audio book to “Hell’s Guest” by Col Glenn Frazier by the publisher. Hearing him tell his story was a gripping tale of history that needs to be told. There are so many things I loved about this book. He was honest about his feelings and what happened. He never tried to sugar coat the raw emotions or the struggles with the PTSD later. He confessed his highs and he confessed his lows. In the end his coming to the realization that it was only God and forgiveness that could truly set him free from the horrors he’s lived through didn’t come across as a cheesy-one-time fix Band-aid, but it came across genuine and truth.

We are at a cross roads in this nation where many have forgotten who the “great” generation was, and for what they stood. We must be reminded of the cost of freedom. Stories like this must be told. I believe the author said it best, “We must preserve our country and ourselves from the danger of becoming controlled by others. Our freedom is a privilege every American must not take for granted. My years as a POW will not have been in vain if in doing so others will realize how important it is to be free.” May you get this book, and be reminded that freedom is never free.

[Missyjohnson1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got this book in the summer of 2018 when my husband toured the USS Alabama and Col. Frazier was there offering his book for sale. He signed our copy and made a dedication comment. I picked it up to read after finishing The Reckoning by John Grisham. The main character in the Grisham book was a man who had been in the Bataan Death March and a Japanese POW. I wanted to see how closely the historical facts in the Grisham book were to someone who actually experienced the POW horror. Grisham did his research and did well in the telling. I was horrified at the abuse that was heaped upon the American (and others) GI’s by their captors. The level of evil that the human can stoop to and pile upon others is hard to imagine. But what is even more unbelievable is the perseverance of the human will. I cannot imagine how anyone could survive the torture that was inflicted upon them. Also to know that so many were just teenage boys.......Oh my goodness. Thank you Col Frazier for sharing this account. Thank you for showing how God walks with us through everything and if we pay attention to Him, He will provide the Peace. Never Forget.

[Mike Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely vivid account of Col Frazier's experience during the Bataan Death March. My parents had a chance to meet him before he died and said that he was an amazing man. I would love to have been able to hear some of his advice on how he was able to forgive his captors.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with the lady that brought up the "Great generation". I completely agree. I was able to meet this amazing man at the U.S.S. Alabama in Mobile bay. He signed my book and let me take his picture. I proudly have it displayed in the front cover of the book. It is amazing what a person can survive (even though he had problems most of his life). I commend and thank this man for defending our country. God bless him.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book about an amazing man. Deserves five stars for sure. The book brought tears to my eyes at times and put a smile on my face other times. I was able to meet Col. Frazier in person at the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, he was so kind and you would never guess the horrors he had to endure. Such an incredible man and tells his story so openly. It's a must read for any American! It will truly make you appreciate your freedom.