Avenging Bataan: The Battle of Zigzag Pass

by B. David Mann

When General MacArthur and the United States suffered a devastating defeat by surrendering the Bataan Peninsula to the Japanese in 1942, it was only worsened by learning of the brutal treatment of the American POWs. Outraged by this news, the entire country and particularly the Army vowed to avenge the defeat and the infamous Bataan Death March. "Avenging The Battle of Zigzag Pass" is a well-researched and detailed historical account of the struggle to liberate Bataan in 1945 by opening the highway through Zigzag Pass. Featuring coverage of both the American and Japanese forces, this account provides insight into the day by day life and death struggle of battle. The story is told through interviews, letters, and reports by men - from both sides - who fought the battle . Complete with the historical background of events leading up to and surrounding the Battle of Zigzag Pass, the author’s research includes strategic information along with personal accounts. A gripping portrayal of both the Americans and Japanesse at war, "Avenging Bataan" helps preserve the legacy of World War II for future generations.

364 pages, Hardcover

First published June 20, 2002

Reviews

[Michael Haggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had personal interest in choosing to read this book as three of my relatives fought in this area. The first chapter had me worried as it was very hard to understand but that has to do with my unfamiliarity with the Japanese Army. It gets better quickly. I almost feel like I need to read it again with a sand table and plot the troop movements. By the end of the book I felt mentally exhausted. I can only imagine the number of actions such as this that took place with very little notice. Any avid student of WW2 history will not be disappointed.