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My Hitch in Hell: The Bataan Death March
Captured by the Japanese after the fall of Bataan, Lester I. Tenney was one of the very few who would survive the legendary Death March and three and a half years in Japanese prison camps. With an understanding of human nature, a sense of humor, sharp thinking, and fierce determination, Tenney endured the rest of the war as a slave laborer in Japanese prison camps. My Hitch in Hell is an inspiring survivor’s epic about the triumph of human will despite unimaginable suffering. This edition features a new introduction and epilogue by the author.
264 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 19, 2014
Lester.I.Tenney's World War 2 memoir "My Hitch in Hell: The Bataan death march" is a grim tale of survival through the horrible days of the most devastating war of human history. Known to his comrades as 'Ten-Spot', Mr. Tenney participated in the defence of Bataan in Philippines against the massive onslaught of the Japanese army. He belonged to the B company, 192 Tank batallion. In his memoir he has given acute blood-chilling description of the infamous Bataan death march which he had fortunately survived. While reading it i was appalled by the barbarity of the Japanese guards who accompanied the tired,disease-infested,thirst-maddened American and Filippino soldiers on a 80-mile painstaking journey to the notorious POW camp O'Donnell. According to the author's own words 'stop walking, and you would be killed instantly.' The conquering Japanese did never show slightest mercy to the defeated soldiers who were forced to surrender due to lack of food, medical supplies and fighting weapons. As the statistics show around 12000 American soldiers were subjected to this barbaric treatment by the Japanese during the march. Only 1500 of them could come back to their home after the end of the war.
Mr. Tenney also narrates his daring escape from camp O'Donnell and joining a guerilla force hiding in the jungle and sabotaging the Japnese military supplies under cover. He was eventually caught by the Japs and again sent to the previous camp. Thereafter he brings into his book the remembrance of his life in another infamous camp Cabanatuan amidst the shadow of death looming largely everywhere. In last few chapters of his book he narrates his transportation along with other American prisoners from Cabanatuan to Omuta, a place in Japan where he was again forced to work as slave labour in a dangerous coal mine for almost three years. The memoir ends on a happy note describing Mr. Tenney's return to his homeland after the end of the war to the warm embrace of his relatives. Besides that one would be moved to tears to learn about his separation from his girlfriend Laura, who despite being informed that Tenney was miissing in action, waited for him three and half years in vain and at last was forced to marry somebody else just few months before his coming home. What a tragedy !!!
Tenney's memoir has taught me a lot about life. I cannot help admiring this man for his positive attitude even amidst those horrible turbulent days of his life as prisoner of war. He never lost hope or courage and always used his intelligence to find the best possible way how to avoid torture and beatings by the Japanese guards. On learning about the cruel inhuman treatment of the prisoners at the hands of their Japanese captors I repeatedly wondered how a human being can endure so much for such long period of time as Mr. Tenney did. According to him he made it because he always intended to do the right thing at the right moment. Frankly speaking if i were there in place of the author, i would have given up much earlier.
Finally it must be said that Mr. Tenney's contribution to the American war effort in its struggle against fascism is no less than those millions of men who served their country on land, in sea or in the air in hour of urgent need. It is wrong to assume that in order to win a war valour in the battlefield is the only vital component. Rather the fighting spirit of a warring nation is also inherent in the power of endurance, resilience and the ability to remain mentally calm and goal-oriented even amidst most adverse situations.
Mr. Tenney also narrates his daring escape from camp O'Donnell and joining a guerilla force hiding in the jungle and sabotaging the Japnese military supplies under cover. He was eventually caught by the Japs and again sent to the previous camp. Thereafter he brings into his book the remembrance of his life in another infamous camp Cabanatuan amidst the shadow of death looming largely everywhere. In last few chapters of his book he narrates his transportation along with other American prisoners from Cabanatuan to Omuta, a place in Japan where he was again forced to work as slave labour in a dangerous coal mine for almost three years. The memoir ends on a happy note describing Mr. Tenney's return to his homeland after the end of the war to the warm embrace of his relatives. Besides that one would be moved to tears to learn about his separation from his girlfriend Laura, who despite being informed that Tenney was miissing in action, waited for him three and half years in vain and at last was forced to marry somebody else just few months before his coming home. What a tragedy !!!
Tenney's memoir has taught me a lot about life. I cannot help admiring this man for his positive attitude even amidst those horrible turbulent days of his life as prisoner of war. He never lost hope or courage and always used his intelligence to find the best possible way how to avoid torture and beatings by the Japanese guards. On learning about the cruel inhuman treatment of the prisoners at the hands of their Japanese captors I repeatedly wondered how a human being can endure so much for such long period of time as Mr. Tenney did. According to him he made it because he always intended to do the right thing at the right moment. Frankly speaking if i were there in place of the author, i would have given up much earlier.
Finally it must be said that Mr. Tenney's contribution to the American war effort in its struggle against fascism is no less than those millions of men who served their country on land, in sea or in the air in hour of urgent need. It is wrong to assume that in order to win a war valour in the battlefield is the only vital component. Rather the fighting spirit of a warring nation is also inherent in the power of endurance, resilience and the ability to remain mentally calm and goal-oriented even amidst most adverse situations.
July 2, 2024
The Bataan Death March is a part of history not many know about. In fact, our country was hoping it would be forgotten, but this book opens our eyes to the horrendous acts of inhumane treatment 12,000 American soldiers endured. My grandpa, Lee Roy Montgomery, was one of the 1500 American soldiers who survived. He was never able to give us many details about all he endured, and now i can see why. This book gives us a first hand detailing of the torture, starvation, and unlivable conditions these brave men had to go through. I wish i would’ve read this book before he passed so i could give him a hug after and tell him how truly thankful and proud i am of him. These men deserved more that what our country gave them. This was a rough read with lots of tears and emotions, but an important read.
January 30, 2021
My dad's cousin was a survivor of the Bataan Death March, the Cabanatuan POW camp, and one of the horrible Hell Ships to Japan. He lived another 30 years but died with his memories. Now that I'm old enough to care, the best I can do is read books written by other survivors. This is a good one. It's about more than the brutality -- it's also about surviving both physically and emotionally, and the ending is poignant and beautiful.
July 21, 2017
Recommended by Deborah, Merrillville Branch
June 14, 2016
This should be a 3.5 if for no other reason that its a true story of the inhumane treatment that the Japanese put the soldiers and civilians of the Philippine's through. I remember seeing movies when I was a child of the struggles during the Death March of Bataan and Corregidor and my parents dislike of McArthur for leaving the soldiers to die in the Philippine's.
"In every battle there comes a time when one group of warriors must be sacrificed for the benefit of the whole" this quote is from President Roosevelt during one of his fireside chats in March 1942. He meant the men and women on Bataan and Corregidor. He would provide no supplies, no reinforcements, no aircraft, no medicine, and no hope for the men and women fighting in the Philippines. " The death march took the lives of seventy five thousand men and women; American and Australians.
The reason per the story is that instead we shored up the coast of Australia against
Japanese invasion. This would have been a big advantage for Japan if they could use it as a jumping off place for future invasion of the United States and the Pacific in general.
The soldiers held out for 148 days; then they were ordered to surrender. The author of this book spent his time in two camps in the Philippines and then was transported to Japan to work in a coal mine. The camp was located in Omuta, Japan thirty five miles of Nagasaki.
When these Americans came home it was without fanfare. No welcome home, after all they had surrendered. They were looked at as losers.
Lester Tenney went on to become a professor of finance and insurance at ASU .
"In every battle there comes a time when one group of warriors must be sacrificed for the benefit of the whole" this quote is from President Roosevelt during one of his fireside chats in March 1942. He meant the men and women on Bataan and Corregidor. He would provide no supplies, no reinforcements, no aircraft, no medicine, and no hope for the men and women fighting in the Philippines. " The death march took the lives of seventy five thousand men and women; American and Australians.
The reason per the story is that instead we shored up the coast of Australia against
Japanese invasion. This would have been a big advantage for Japan if they could use it as a jumping off place for future invasion of the United States and the Pacific in general.
The soldiers held out for 148 days; then they were ordered to surrender. The author of this book spent his time in two camps in the Philippines and then was transported to Japan to work in a coal mine. The camp was located in Omuta, Japan thirty five miles of Nagasaki.
When these Americans came home it was without fanfare. No welcome home, after all they had surrendered. They were looked at as losers.
Lester Tenney went on to become a professor of finance and insurance at ASU .
May 26, 2023
Everyone should read this book!! What the soldiers went through was absolutely horrendous! I went through so many emotions reading this book, from laughing to angry to crying. The one constant throughout the book was my feeling of shock and horror.
Many lives were lost due to the bad decisions of a few. It's disgusting how many lives were lost because of our own side.
This story is absolutely heartbreaking yet inspiring! There is a lot of information and many names that go with this personal and tragic recount of what our soldiers went through. Dr. Tenney made this tragedy into a life lesson we could all use.
I'm thankful Dr. Tenney shared his story and if this story doesn't affect you, you are clearly alexithymic.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with interest in our history, the war but think everyone's should read it!
Many lives were lost due to the bad decisions of a few. It's disgusting how many lives were lost because of our own side.
This story is absolutely heartbreaking yet inspiring! There is a lot of information and many names that go with this personal and tragic recount of what our soldiers went through. Dr. Tenney made this tragedy into a life lesson we could all use.
I'm thankful Dr. Tenney shared his story and if this story doesn't affect you, you are clearly alexithymic.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with interest in our history, the war but think everyone's should read it!
January 12, 2010
Picked this one up at the WWII Museum while waiting for David to finish all (by which I mean ALL) the exhibits.
I tend to enjoy "personal accounts" and historical fiction so this one is hitting the spot so far.
Hard to believe that there are men who lived through this experience! Great story, but the writing was not so great - the author could have used an editor to help him get rid of repetitive details and flesh out some of his character descriptions.
I tend to enjoy "personal accounts" and historical fiction so this one is hitting the spot so far.
Hard to believe that there are men who lived through this experience! Great story, but the writing was not so great - the author could have used an editor to help him get rid of repetitive details and flesh out some of his character descriptions.
July 10, 2024
Shocking accounts of brutality, torture, shame, starvation and inhumane treatments endured by American POWs enslaved in Japan during WWII. Could not put the book down. Warning: many parts are hard to read and unfathomable. In the end, the author describes things he committed to doing during his enslavement that helped him to survive. He beautifully describes true freedom in the ability to forgive. 5 Star book!!!
January 9, 2022
The work is at its strongest when the writer recounts the ordeal of the death march and prison camps. Sadly the added material at the end where he talks about his reconciliation with the past and ventures into looking at the grand strategy and context feel contrived and thin. Still worthy work and open up the background to events where 17% of American WW2 casualties would occur.
February 17, 2022
This is real downer but also quite interesting. It's not written too well.
October 6, 2021
Reading My Hitch in Hell helped me put into perspective some petty inconveniences as well as a time of multiple major stresses.
Lester Tenney, a member of a National Guard Company of the U.S. Army 192nd Tank Battalion, arrived in the Philippines on November 21, 1941. The Japanese attacked December 8. As the battle of Bataan progressed, they possessed the will to repel the Japanese. However, they felt let down, even betrayed by the lack of ammunition and guns, troops and equipment, food and medical supplies. As slave POWs, Tenney and many of his fellow soldiers continued to show unconquerable spirits.
Tenny described not only what he lived through but also how he survived the Battle of Bataan, Death March, and enslavement for years in an unsafe Japanese coal mine.
His deliberate decisions included being responsibility for his welfare as much as possible and a positive attitude despite his situation. He set short-term goals—such as reaching the next bend in the road on the march. He also fixed long-term goals—like surviving to tell the story and seeing his parents, siblings, and wife again. Tenny did whatever was necessary to survive with integrity—to stay as healthy as possible despite a starvation diet, diseases, vicious beatings, and little medical treatment or medicine. He developed survival smarts, learned as much of the language of his enemies as possible, and kept mentally active.
Lester Tenney, a member of a National Guard Company of the U.S. Army 192nd Tank Battalion, arrived in the Philippines on November 21, 1941. The Japanese attacked December 8. As the battle of Bataan progressed, they possessed the will to repel the Japanese. However, they felt let down, even betrayed by the lack of ammunition and guns, troops and equipment, food and medical supplies. As slave POWs, Tenney and many of his fellow soldiers continued to show unconquerable spirits.
Tenny described not only what he lived through but also how he survived the Battle of Bataan, Death March, and enslavement for years in an unsafe Japanese coal mine.
His deliberate decisions included being responsibility for his welfare as much as possible and a positive attitude despite his situation. He set short-term goals—such as reaching the next bend in the road on the march. He also fixed long-term goals—like surviving to tell the story and seeing his parents, siblings, and wife again. Tenny did whatever was necessary to survive with integrity—to stay as healthy as possible despite a starvation diet, diseases, vicious beatings, and little medical treatment or medicine. He developed survival smarts, learned as much of the language of his enemies as possible, and kept mentally active.
August 28, 2018
3 stars for the writing, which, forgivably, is not Tenney’s forte...5 stars for the man, whose resilience, positivity, and sense of humor enabled him to survive the infamous Bataan Death March and the brutalities of not one, but two Japanese prison camps. I had the honor of listening to Tenney speak at a Veterans Day Parade in 2016, not long before he passed away. His voice shook as he recounted the unspeakable atrocities inflicted on American prisoners of war at the hands of the Japanese. Not only were the Bataan Death March survivors shunned for their surrender, at the time of his release, few knew of the inhumane treatment they had suffered. Lest anyone forget, “I was there...I remember that,” he repeatedly quipped. Perhaps even more inspiring than Tenney’s survival is his enduring power to forgive- his wife, for having remarried after believing he’d been killed in action, and the Japanese; years later he hosts a Japanese exchange student in his home and gains a “son” who wisely understands that theirs is an unlikely relationship, and who counters this with a sense of humor to match Tenney’s own.
August 30, 2020
This was an horrific true account of one soldier's experiences of The Bataan Death March in the Philippines and his time as a P.O.W. in a Japanese Prison Camp. Lester Tenney's story is a violent, depressing and hate-filled journey of a man who never gave up despite the odds stacked against him and his fellow Americans. Shocking to the core, he relates many personal and eye-witness reports of such barbaric, vicious and heartless behavior from the Japanese guards and officers that it is amazing he lived to tell the tale. But tell it, he was determined to do, and this book is the result of that force of will. The shaming that occurred to all these courageous men who gave it their all but because their commanders ordered they surrender received no welcome home or praise for their lone actions with no support from their own country. However, in an excerpt from a speech given by General Douglas MacArthur on February 19, 1945, were these words, "but no army in history more thoroughly accomplished its mission. Let no man henceforth speak of it other than as a magnificent victory!" Highly recommended.
April 24, 2021
"War is hell"
This book proves that a more truthful statement has rarely been made.
I read disaster books regularly. Explosions, fires, hurricanes, etc. Though I don't relish all the death, it doesn't seem to bother me. But....when it is humans doing horrible things to each other,(or any living creature) it sticks in my craw. If you already have a hard time respecting humanity, like me, this book won't help. But with that said, this book is incredible. The man that wrote it deserves the upmost respect. Most people disgust me. Some amaze me. This guy falls to the latter. This book, as tough as it is to stomach at parts, is an incredible read and very inspiring. If you think you're going through a tough time in life, this book will most likely make you feel a little better about your predicament. Or give you nightmares. Don't get me wrong, it's not all torture and gore but does tell of many atrocities that are painful to read. This is a great book. Not fun reading, but an amazing story.
This book proves that a more truthful statement has rarely been made.
I read disaster books regularly. Explosions, fires, hurricanes, etc. Though I don't relish all the death, it doesn't seem to bother me. But....when it is humans doing horrible things to each other,(or any living creature) it sticks in my craw. If you already have a hard time respecting humanity, like me, this book won't help. But with that said, this book is incredible. The man that wrote it deserves the upmost respect. Most people disgust me. Some amaze me. This guy falls to the latter. This book, as tough as it is to stomach at parts, is an incredible read and very inspiring. If you think you're going through a tough time in life, this book will most likely make you feel a little better about your predicament. Or give you nightmares. Don't get me wrong, it's not all torture and gore but does tell of many atrocities that are painful to read. This is a great book. Not fun reading, but an amazing story.
June 18, 2021
This is it! The definitive book of the Bataan death March that I’ve been looking for! Mr. Tenney has put together a masterpiece. Using plain language, no flowery words, truth and humor, this not only gives you a feeling of what he went through, but what the entire situation involved. What an amazing story and a strong man that we today could not ever hope to emulate. He is an American treasure. I had the book for resource but listened to the audio book narrated by Joe Barrett which is not only brilliantly read, but also includes an almost 40 minute epilogue that gives so much interesting updates and facts, it’s quite recommended.
The subject matter of this book is disturbing AS IT SHOULD BE since the japs were so disturbed and everyone should know of their abhorrent treatment. Excellent resource here. Thank you to Mr. Tenney not the least of which for his enduring and tortured service, but the amazing account he has blessed us with. Well done, sir, Rest In Peace.
The subject matter of this book is disturbing AS IT SHOULD BE since the japs were so disturbed and everyone should know of their abhorrent treatment. Excellent resource here. Thank you to Mr. Tenney not the least of which for his enduring and tortured service, but the amazing account he has blessed us with. Well done, sir, Rest In Peace.
December 11, 2021
This book was eye-opening for me, in terms of learning about the brutality of the defense of Bataan, the Bataan Death March, and everything that came after...and also what it takes to truly overcome all odds. When I started reading this, in my naivety I honestly expected to read about an awful march and maybe a few months in captivity. Instead, I got a glimpse into nearly 4 years of hell and the atrocities committed by the Japanese (soldiers and citizens) against the soldiers they captured. The content was downright depressing, reading about the wanton death, torture, and despicable treatment of other humans. However I really valued that the author somehow managed to make it upbeat by shining a light on how he found positive moments and explaining the methods he used to keep himself and his peers alive and moving forward.
June 6, 2019
A very good autobiography of a US soldier's experience during the Bataan Death March and several years of captivity and enslaved labor. His recollection is very and his observations heartfelt. He describes the brutality of his Japanese captors, the resilience of his fellow soldiers and the methods he used to cope as best he could with the inhumane treatment. He said that only about 10% of Americans captured in the Philippines survived the war, and with beatings and starvation he describes, its hard to believe that even that many made it.
This book is a tribute to those who served and died in the Pacific theater and a must read for anyone interested in the history of WWII.
This book is a tribute to those who served and died in the Pacific theater and a must read for anyone interested in the history of WWII.
July 16, 2021
I know the author's son. I have met the author.
I have acquired the book twice for other friends.
It was a stint in Hell. First he survived. Second he was a living witness to history (Bataan Death March) and the 2nd atomic bombing. I saw his B-29 which delivered that payload.
Lester would later attempt to sue Japan (the State Dept. forbid), and he had a successful career as an Econ prof at ASU, Tempe. His son's regret is not finding a better publisher for a wider audience like a certain guy near where I lived who had an airport named after him (Zamp) and later a movie. There were many stories like these.
I have acquired the book twice for other friends.
It was a stint in Hell. First he survived. Second he was a living witness to history (Bataan Death March) and the 2nd atomic bombing. I saw his B-29 which delivered that payload.
Lester would later attempt to sue Japan (the State Dept. forbid), and he had a successful career as an Econ prof at ASU, Tempe. His son's regret is not finding a better publisher for a wider audience like a certain guy near where I lived who had an airport named after him (Zamp) and later a movie. There were many stories like these.
August 21, 2023
This is a POW story written by Bataan Death March survivor Les Tenney. I have read several of these over the past few years. Most of them dwell on the harsh treatment by the Japanese and the appalling conditions in the camps. This is a bit different. Appalling scenes are portrayed. He was brutalized and nearly died twice. But Tenney spent much of his time working around the conditions he was in to make the best of the situation and "gamed the system" while in captivity. This does not demean the memories of others. It is interesting to see another perspective on survival during this time period.
Tenney does make it very clear that had the bombs not been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he would not likely have survived the war.
Tenney does make it very clear that had the bombs not been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he would not likely have survived the war.
May 7, 2024
This book tells a dark, harrowing story of an American serviceman during WWII and his time as a prisoner of war in the Philippines and Japan. There are many moments of brutality and suffering, but ultimately this book is about the story of a man overcoming loss and adversity to live for something bigger than himself: his family, his friends, and his dream of going home.
This book is in the same vein as Victor Frankel‘s “Man’s Search for Meaning.” With great suffering we are giving the opportunity of tremendous growth.
This book is in the same vein as Victor Frankel‘s “Man’s Search for Meaning.” With great suffering we are giving the opportunity of tremendous growth.
January 13, 2018
Excellent first-hand account of one mans experiences being held captive by the Japanese in WWII, including the infamous Bataan death march. It's pretty harrowing but his will to survive against incredible adversity shines through. I feel it would have been a little better with a good editor as he occasionally repeats himself and also it would have been nice if some of the other characters were a little more fleshed out, but thoroughly worth reading.
July 4, 2021
Only one in every ten American held prisoner by the Japanese during World War II survived to return home. Mr. Tenney chronicles his suffering and that of his fellow soldiers. It's hard to read at times, but all Americans should know the sacrifices made by those who fought to keep our country free. Some lost their lives far away under horrific circumstances. I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2017
One in 10 prisoners of war in the Philippines (Americans, Filipinos) during WWII survived. Author Lester Tenney, who passed away early this year, was one of those men. He details this hitch in hell, as well as the graceful aftermath. It's not an easy read, but definitely worth the effort.
June 18, 2017
Only 1 in 10 soldiers survived the 12-day Bataan Death March. The author was one of them. He went on to survive the atrocities of nearly 4 years as a POW in the Phillipines and Japan, working in the coal mines near Nagasaki. Think Unbroken on steroids. A difficult, but inspirational account.
October 14, 2017
This dude survived the Bataan Death March, 40 days on a hellship, and 3 years in a coal mine at one of Japan's worst POW camps. He faced and overcame more adversity than your whiny little ass could ever imagine. A gripping memoir by an admirable human being.
March 27, 2020
Wonderfully written memoir of a very difficult time. Tenney found a way to tell his story in a way that was informative but also engaging. It may be difficult to hear but this story deserves to be told and heard.
May 6, 2021
What can I say? Lester Tenney is a hero. His is a blow by blow of everything that happened to him over there. He truly loved through hell. While I can say the writing is basic, the story isn't. It is worth the read. I won't lie, it is sloth sometimes but I am glad I read it.
May 8, 2023
A story I thought I’d heard all the angles too, but was somberly thrilled to learn that I had not. Excellent recounting, storytelling, and sharing by the author. A must read for war time buffs and anyone wanting to know of the American POWs plight.
January 24, 2024
The memoirs of a survivour of the death march and 3 yrs in prison camps, detailing the sheer brutality of Japanese captivity. Brutal. At times gruesome in its detail, but a wonderful read of man’s will to survive while others fall.
The ‘With The Old Breed’ of survival in captivity.
The ‘With The Old Breed’ of survival in captivity.
October 6, 2017
Grueling. Compelling. Extremely worthwhile read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews