Undefeated: America's Heroic Fight for Bataan and Corregidor

by Bill Sloan

This epic story recounts the exceptional valor and endurance of American troops that battled Japanese forces in the Philippines during World War II.Bill Sloan, “a master of the combat narrative” (Dallas Morning News), tells the story of the outnumbered American soldiers and airmen who stood against invading Japanese forces in the Philippines at the beginning of World War II, and continued to resist through three harrowing years as POWs. For four months they fought toe to toe against overwhelming enemy numbers—and forced the Japanese to pay a heavy cost in blood. After the surrender came the infamous Bataan Death March, where up to eighteen thousand American and Filipino prisoners died as they marched sixty-five miles under the most hellish conditions imaginable. Interwoven throughout this gripping narrative are the harrowing personal experiences of dozens of American soldiers, airmen, and Marines, based on exclusive interviews with more than thirty survivors. Undefeated chronicles one of the great sagas of World War II—and celebrates a resounding triumph of the human spirit.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, War, Military History, Audiobook, Military Fiction

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

Bill Sloan is a respected military historian, former newspaper reporter/editor and author of more than a dozen books, including Brotherhood of Heroes: The Ultimate Battle. He lives in Dallas, Texas

Reviews

[Manray9 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bill Sloan may be a “master of the combat narrative,” but with Undefeated he falls short as a historian. I read his Given Up for Dead with interest as it provided new insights into the defense of Wake Island during the initial stage of the Pacific War. Undefeated is a paean to the courage and endurance of American and Filipino military men and civilians who courageously resisted Japanese aggression in 1941-42. Sloan details the cruelty and tenaciousness of the Japanese and their calculated indifference to the plight of thousands of sick, wounded and defenseless American and Filipino POWs and civilians. There are some remarkable personal stories contained here.

Regrettably, Undefeated does not succeed as history. Simply regurgitating interviews and old war stories does not a historian make. Sloan is caught up in the cliché of the Greatest Generation. The American figures are stalwart, ingenious, patriotic, and hard-working – all the characteristics embodied by the stereotypical young American of the thirties and forties. If they have a negative quality, it is a manly hot-headedness. All the Filipinos are resolute and loyal. The Japanese are all erratic and brutal. I found believability slightly strained. Sloan pushes the facts just a little too far in pursuit of a good story. He is captivated by consideration that the attack of the 26th Cavalry at Moron on January 16, 1942 was the “world’s last mounted cavalry charge.” This statement is made on the front dust jacket, again as a caption in the photo section, and twice, at some length, in the text. It is a good story, but simply untrue. On Page 116, Sloan writes the attack by the 26th Cavalry “is generally recognized by today’s military historians as the world’s last authentic battlefield charge by mounted cavalry.” Really? There is widespread documentation that the last mounted cavalry charge in military history was conducted by three squadrons of the Italian 3rd Savoia Cavalry under Colonel Count Alessandro Bettoni-Cazzago (a noted Italian Olympic equestrian competitor) against Soviet forces at Izbushensky on the Don River on August 24, 1942 – seven months after the action at Moron.

Early in my reading questions arose concerning statements and quotations contained in Undefeated. The book has neither footnotes nor references. There is a note in the back of the book under “Sources and Notes” saying Sloan presented the “thoughts of various protagonists in the form of italicized dialogue or in simple third-person description of what the individual was thinking at the time … based on (a) …interviews with the source, (b) oral history interviews…(c) a first person memoir…” These recreated quotations, a la Bob Woodward, did not always ring true. Take for example John Bulkeley. First, Sloan is described on the back flap as “a respected military historian,” yet throughout the book he refers to Bulkeley as Buckeley. Some may say this is a minor oversight, but John Bulkeley was arguably the greatest U. S. naval hero of World War II. He commanded the PT boats that spirited MacArthur out of the Philippines, fought at the D-Day beaches, and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and numerous other medals. In fact the famed movie director, John Ford, made They Were Expendable based on the Philippine exploits of Bulkeley and his PT boats -- yet Sloan couldn’t even get his name right? On Page 44 Sloan wrote a paragraph with three statements in quotes apparently attributed to Bulkeley. John Bulkeley, however, is neither listed among the individuals interviewed, nor is any oral history attributed to him. No memoir or other source material concerning him is listed in the bibliography. There is a biography of Bulkeley, Sea Wolf, A Biography of John D. Bulkeley by William Breuer, but it is not listed as a source, while another work by Breuer is in the bibliography. So from where did the quotes ostensibly from John Bulkeley originate? With this treatment of Bulkeley, I cannot help but wonder what other information is incorrect? Which other quotations are sketchy? Maybe Sloan’s problem is just a little sloppiness, but his credibility has suffered with me. Undefeated is not a strong effort for a so-called “respected military historian.”

[Josiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible account of America's heroes, but absolutely heartbreaking. The narrative was connected with the personal accounts of survivors who the author interviewed, which made it all the more personal and emotional. Definitely a story that all Americans need to know about.

[Al Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really divided into two parts, the first 2/3rds of the book deal with the loss of the Philippines , and much of that blame must rest on McArthur, the fact that fighters were not scrambled at Clark, despite receiving notice that Pearl Harbour had already been hit is really inexcusable. The tough as nails fighting in Bataan and Corregidor, the book then goes into select lives of those fighting after Wainwright’s surrender those who fled into the jungle and became guerrillas and those who became prisoners of war, it is not a book about the liberation of the Philippines except to the extend necessary to flesh out these individuals stories. The first 2/3rds is 5 star, the last 1/3rd maybe 4 stars. I’ll be picking up other Sloan books as this one was just that good.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part I really enjoyed this book. After having just finishing the Bataan Death March Marathon at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and having the opportunity to shake hands with some of the surviving members of the march gave me further appreciation for what these brave soldiers endured. The sometimes graphic details on what the Japanese did to some of the marchers in the book left me shaking.
Lots of characters in the book and a bit confusing at times as the stories went back and forth to these soldiers. But still an enjoyable read and interesting part of the Pacific war front.

[Sarah R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read about the battles in the Philippines, Bataan, the POW camps, and the Death March before, but I think this was the most encompassing and emotionally difficult book so far. It is very well-done, obviously taking an incredible load of research and interviews with survivors from all aspects of the battle. It's impossible to read about this topic and not feel extreme anger over the cold-blooded atrocities committed, even so many years later. It is amazing that as many POWs survived as they did. I'll also never have a favorable opinion of General MacArthur again. I had no idea he was such an egotistical, incompetent ass.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing narrative of the horrors and hardships of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines and subsequent Bataan Death March, Prison Camps and Labor ships. Just awe-inspiring, yet sickening to read about all those Men and Women, Americans and Filipinos, young and old, went through.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in the topic/subject matter and overall it was a good read. However, there were two glaring mistakes that I came across. One, was the name of the PT-Boat unit commander who assisted MacArthur in escaping. The author consistently wrote his last name as Buckley. The officer’s name was Bulkeley. The second mistake concerns the civilian internment camp at the University of Santo Tomas. The internment camp was located at the school’s España campus, not the older campus located within the old walled city of Intramuros. It is that older campus that is close to Fort Santiago. However, this was not the location of the civilian internment camp.

[Michelle L · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was hard to keep track of all the different people mentioned in the book, but skimming it gave me a good overall perspective on this part of history. The details are not for the faint of heart! I did have to skim some of the graphic violence so be aware if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing.
My grandpa’s father was an army surgeon who had stayed behind on Corregidor during WWII. He was later a POW on the Oryoku Maru ship that was sunk by the US. It was important for me to familiarize myself with this history to understand my grandpa’s connection to the Philippines.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a portrayal of the valiant stand made by USAFFE forces in the early days of World War II. Through research and poignant personal accounts, the author captures the indomitable spirit, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the soldiers during the Battle of Bataan and the defense of Corregidor. The title aptly encapsulates the unwavering determination that defined this pivotal chapter in military history. In a masterful blend of historical analysis and vivid storytelling, the author pays tribute to the resilient heroes who, against overwhelming odds, remained undefeated in spirit.

[John Foran · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have read several books on the early campaigns during WW2 and each book gives new insights of what these men and women went through. Each story is about courage, determination, and heart. Once surrendered they still did what they could to escape and disrupt the enemy. Something every student in school should read.

[Frank Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing yet heartbreaking story of the Philippine Islands before, during and after the Japanese invasion in 1941. The book described in vivid detail the atrocities the invaders inflicted on the citizens and, American and Filipino military alike.

[bruce davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just finished the reckoning by grisham. the reckoning goes into detail about the bataan situation. defeated goes into more detail. it is pathetic that one human being can treat another like during war time .

very interesting

[Kenneth Flusche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Sloan tells the most complete story of WWII in the Phillapeans that I have ever read. Easy to read, flows from start to finish. About ten percent of the stories I have read before, but the rest my goodness.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book about the the tragic story of the Sailors and Marines that we left at Bataan. A good amount of personal accounts from survivors.

[Ed White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for those interested in the early days of WW2 in the Philippines.

[Cooper Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve ever read

[happy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good account of the trial and tribulations of the US, Philippine forces that fought the Japanese at the beginning of the Second World War

I think Sloan has a very easy reading style and this was a very engaging read.

Sloan not only covers the Bataan and Corregidor battles, but follows the survivors thru the Death March and into captivity at Camp O'Donnell and their subsequent transfer on the Hell Ships to various Japanese passions throughout Asia.

He also talks about the various successful escapes and guerilla actions by both local Philipinos and non-surrendered Americana

He doesn't gloss over MacArthur's failures in the early days of the campaign, but does offer some sort of reason for them


He was trying to placate Philippine Pres Quezon, who didn't want to take the first offensive action against the Japanese

The disaster that befell the USAAF at Clark and other fields was basically bad luck. The aircraft had been aloft and had landed for refueling when the Japanese air raids occurred



He is very sympathetic to both Gens King and Wainwright who both felt they would be court marshaled after the war.

One problem I had with the book is his extensive quoting of existing authors, esp Gerald Astor and William Manchester. There are also some factual errors that should have been caught.

I would highly recommend this book.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went through a roller-coaster of emotions while reading Bill Sloan's Undefeated. Let me begin by saying that as a child growing up during WWII, the generation of men who fought that war have always been my heros. My Dad was a marine and my uncles we in the Army, Army Air Corps and Navy. I guess that the Merchant Marine and Coast Guard were about all that the family did'nt have covered. As I read I went from intense anger to overwhelming sorrow at what the incredibly brave men who were abandoned in the Phillipines endured. I am gratified that Sloan has avoided the cult of McArthur that was codified by William Manchester. One who reads history with any objectivity understands the incredible loss of life and suffering that was caused by "Bug-out" Doug's enormous ego. I won't go into detail on the horrors described in this book, but suffice it to say that they make my two tours on Vietnam seem like a Sunday walk in the park.

[Anthony Cavaliere · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and contained details about the Battle of Bataan and the suffering of the American and Filipino POWs that I did not know, that probably most people do not know. For one thing the American army fought very well and could have held out longer and perhaps defeated the Japanese had they been given adequate supplies of food, medicine and ammo. The Japanese conquerors were extremely cruel and inhumane as they were not bound by the Geneva convention. They murdered thousands of the helpless prisoners and used others as slave labor. Had it not been for the two A bombs, none of them would have survived. Good book that focuses on personal accounts of many.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed read of the fall of Bataan and Corregidor in World War II. After the surrender, the book covers the Bataan Death March, the prison camps and the boats that carried POWs to the camps / to Japan for slave labor. Because the Geneva Convention was never ratified by the Japanese, the military didn't feel it needed to treat the POWs humanely. I knew the Bataan Death March lead to lots of deaths, but the prison camps and boat details are pretty disturbing as well. It's amazing people survived at all.

[Luke Bugbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed account giving a birds-eye view of the fall of the Philippines, specifically by detailing the battles for Bataan and Corregidor. The book does not follow any one character, but rather dives in and out of different soldiers' accounts in relation to specific events. The book pays an honorable tribute to the men who fought, suffered and died defending the Philippines. It even attempts to make an unbiased understanding as to what caused the Japanese to deal so horribly with American and Filipino POWs.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite way to learn of history has always been "out of the horses' mouth" so to speak. This book is primarily based on interviews and the writings of several survivors of the battle of and surrender of Bataan and Corregidor; with perspectives from POW's, nurses, guerilla fighters, and even a few who managed to escape.

Written so as to be easily read and gives honor to the allies who lived, and died, without beautifying them.

Highly recommended, but bring tissues.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Of interest as it provides insight into how folks lived in hat was essentially an American colony in the 30s and 40s but as military history doesn't really deliver. Among other things we were in fact defeated. Disappointing because this author has a couple of very good books about e island fighting later in the war.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vivid, engrossing chronicle of the valiant but doomed defense of the Phillipines from Japanese invasion. There are also detailed accounts of horrific ordeals suffered by POWs and heroic escape attempts. Powerful and gripping.

[Richard Taylor]

A great collection

Sloan has assembled an excellent collection of stories from those bitter days of the final struggles for Bataan and Corregidor. All have been told before but never enough. This is a good read. However, the title "Undefeated" may be a stretch.

[Patricrk patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting details but most of the book actually accounts events after the surrender of Corregidor.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for history buffs and anyone interested
in the battles for the Philippines.Portion that deals
with the infamous death march,shows just how barbaric
an occupying army can be in wartime.