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Luck or Miracle: A World War II POW's Survival Story
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." - Nelson Mandela
Jim Bollich, a 102-year-old World War II soldier, offers a first-person account of courage, fortitude and the will to survive three years of frost-bitten captivity as a POW in Manchuria, enduring the Bataan Death March, thirst, starvation, diseases, a 32-day sea voyage (crammed into the hold of a Japanese hell ship) and aerial bombings. After liberation, the transport ship to take him home hit a mine and lost power. A violent typhoon ensued and he had to lash himself to a bulkhead above deck to survive.
Jim survived because he strengthened his mind to confront evil and overcome fear in the face of danger, beatings and pain. Daily prayer strengthened his will to live.
"The unselfish actions of James Bollich are perfect examples of how dedication and love of country are manifested and have kept our country free. His narrative shows how a humiliating defeat on the battlefield can turn one's life upside down and create untenable situations that force one to overcome some of the most horrific situations imaginable and to realize that only through Providence can one survive." -- Major General Bob "Hawk" Hollingsworth, USMC (Retired)
From Modern History Press
Jim Bollich, a 102-year-old World War II soldier, offers a first-person account of courage, fortitude and the will to survive three years of frost-bitten captivity as a POW in Manchuria, enduring the Bataan Death March, thirst, starvation, diseases, a 32-day sea voyage (crammed into the hold of a Japanese hell ship) and aerial bombings. After liberation, the transport ship to take him home hit a mine and lost power. A violent typhoon ensued and he had to lash himself to a bulkhead above deck to survive.
Jim survived because he strengthened his mind to confront evil and overcome fear in the face of danger, beatings and pain. Daily prayer strengthened his will to live.
"The unselfish actions of James Bollich are perfect examples of how dedication and love of country are manifested and have kept our country free. His narrative shows how a humiliating defeat on the battlefield can turn one's life upside down and create untenable situations that force one to overcome some of the most horrific situations imaginable and to realize that only through Providence can one survive." -- Major General Bob "Hawk" Hollingsworth, USMC (Retired)
From Modern History Press
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 2, 2024
“Luck or Miracle” by Reginald Bollich, intimately recounts the remarkable real-life experiences of his 102-year-old cousin by the name of James “Jim” Joseph Bollich, a true American hero. At his astounding age, Mr. Bollich goes into great detail about his life as a United States soldier. Because of his age, the author tape-recorded his actual words to share with all Americans.
James Joseph Bollich, served during World War II as a machine gunner in 1942, becoming one of the POWs of the infamous Bataan Death March when the island surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army, making the American soldiers prisoners of war. Many Americans have heard of this deadly and treacherous 65-mile, 5-day March through the forests of the Philippines.
This was by all means a very dangerous time for Mr. Bollich as well as scores of American prisoners. They were made to walk barefooted. Mr. Bollich endured much suffering and physical pain during the march; suffering Dysentery, Hepatitis, Scurvy, and Beriberi. In addition, their captives forced them to march with no available water and only small amounts of food. Having endured this dangerous march, Mr. Bollich subsequently spent time in the notorious Mukden Prison Camp; until he and the other Americans were freed after the Japanese surrender. He was freed upon his birthday; August 15,1945.
Many times, as I go through life, whether watching television, listening to the radio, or even political events, I often don’t like the word “hero.” In my humble opinion, the word has been “softened,” as almost every event seems to be termed “heroic.”
To me, when a person “has” to survive in a situation he finds himself or herself in, of course they will fight to survive. That doesn’t feel like heroism to me, it’s survival. However, “Life or Miracle” by Reginald Bollich is TRULY a special story of a genuine American hero.
His cousin, Mr. James Joseph Bollich didn’t accidentally find himself in trouble, he volunteered to enter the theater of a World War to fight for all Americans, in fact, the world. This is a true example of heroism!
He suffered both physically and mentally against all the odds. No, this wasn’t “Luck” this was courage, fortitude, guts. This is the true hero! I am so proud to have had the privilege to review this amazing story, “Luck or Miracle.” Please, you need to read this. Thanks to the author, Reginald Bollich, and I salute you, Mr. James Joseph Bollich.
James Joseph Bollich, served during World War II as a machine gunner in 1942, becoming one of the POWs of the infamous Bataan Death March when the island surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army, making the American soldiers prisoners of war. Many Americans have heard of this deadly and treacherous 65-mile, 5-day March through the forests of the Philippines.
This was by all means a very dangerous time for Mr. Bollich as well as scores of American prisoners. They were made to walk barefooted. Mr. Bollich endured much suffering and physical pain during the march; suffering Dysentery, Hepatitis, Scurvy, and Beriberi. In addition, their captives forced them to march with no available water and only small amounts of food. Having endured this dangerous march, Mr. Bollich subsequently spent time in the notorious Mukden Prison Camp; until he and the other Americans were freed after the Japanese surrender. He was freed upon his birthday; August 15,1945.
Many times, as I go through life, whether watching television, listening to the radio, or even political events, I often don’t like the word “hero.” In my humble opinion, the word has been “softened,” as almost every event seems to be termed “heroic.”
To me, when a person “has” to survive in a situation he finds himself or herself in, of course they will fight to survive. That doesn’t feel like heroism to me, it’s survival. However, “Life or Miracle” by Reginald Bollich is TRULY a special story of a genuine American hero.
His cousin, Mr. James Joseph Bollich didn’t accidentally find himself in trouble, he volunteered to enter the theater of a World War to fight for all Americans, in fact, the world. This is a true example of heroism!
He suffered both physically and mentally against all the odds. No, this wasn’t “Luck” this was courage, fortitude, guts. This is the true hero! I am so proud to have had the privilege to review this amazing story, “Luck or Miracle.” Please, you need to read this. Thanks to the author, Reginald Bollich, and I salute you, Mr. James Joseph Bollich.
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