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Thunder on Bataan: The First American Tank Battles of World War II
“An incisive, readable account of a group of National Guard tankers who fought in the Philippines in the opening phase of America’s war in the Pacific.” —Robert S. Cameron, Ph.D., military historian and author of Mobility, Shock, and The Emergence of the U.S. Army’s Armor Branch, 1917-1945 The American Provisional Tank Group had been in the Philippines only three weeks when the Japanese attacked the islands hours after the raid on Pearl Harbor. Sent north to meet the Japanese landings in Lingayen Gulf, the men of the PTG found themselves thrust into a critical role when the Philippine Army could not hold back the Japanese. When General MacArthur ordered the retreat to Bataan, the PTG proved itself indispensable. During early months of 1942, the light tanks of the PTG patrolled Bataan’s beaches, encircling and destroying Japanese penetrations and small amphibious landings. By April 1942, the situation had become untenable, and 15,000 Americans, along with 60,000 Filipinos, surrendered in one of the worst defeats in U.S. military history. The Provisional Tank Group ceased to exist, and its men endured the Bataan Death March, the torture and starvation of POW camps, the hell ships that took them to Japan and Manchuria for slave labor, and the Palawan massacre. In an evocatively written book, Donald L. Caldwell reveals the largely ignored role of tanks in the Philippine campaign. Conducting impressive primary research to bring to life the combat history of the PTG, Caldwell has dug deeper to tell the stories of soldiers from each of the group’s six companies, recounting their service from enlistment, training, and combat to imprisonment, liberation, and return home. “Remarkable . . . [A] well-told history . . . highly recommended.” —Jay A. Stout, LtCol (Ret), USMC, author of Air Apaches
- GenresHistory
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 10, 2024
The book started out really good looking at the history of the different National Guard tank companies that formed the Provisional Tank Group that was sent to the Philippines to help in the defense of it. But the author then gets lost in too much detailed background of the circumstances that this force found itself during the battle and there are only brief chapters of the unit in action against the Japanese and too much movement details of the units between actions. There is also too much blame thrown around for why these men ended up in that predicament, and their story gets lost between all of this at times. All of this made this book a drawn out read for me and it was hard to finish.
The story of their captivity is also too short, and the author would have written a much better book had he focused more on their hardships and ultimate survival from that ordeal. This was a miss for me unfortunately.
The story of their captivity is also too short, and the author would have written a much better book had he focused more on their hardships and ultimate survival from that ordeal. This was a miss for me unfortunately.
March 11, 2021
This was a very disappointing book, made worse because the subject matter has incredible potential. The book is framed around six National Guard units formed into armored companies just before World War II. The first couple of chapters try to set the stage, however, the author mainly manages to literally repeat the same descriptions six different times. Additionally, in attempting to describe how the Army was organized in 1940-41, he shows that, either he did not research the topic, or he wasn't paying attention when writing. It seemed as if he was attempting to mimic Stephen Ambrose's Citizen Soldier. I believe That Caldwell cast his net too wide, and it seemed to have gotten away from him.
As an example, on p. 24 he speaks of the National Defense Act of 1920, and it's impact on the formation of Army divisions. He writes, "Eighteen states were to maintain divisions having the same organization as those of the regular army: called "square" divisions, these were essentially infantry units but contained one special troops battalion with one tank company, etc..." First, the army only had infantry formations because infantry and cavalry were the main maneuver units prior to World War II, and everything else supported these units. They were called square divisions because they were made up of four regiments. When the army went to divisions of three regiments in 1942, those divisions were called... triangular divisions. In chapter 2 on page 31, while referencing the off-duty activities in Louisville, the author writes, "One veteran fondly recalled "Dirty Nell"." That sentence was jarring because it has no relation to anything before or after. There are statements throughout the book that either don't really provide any detail or background on what is being said, or the statements are jarring because there is no lead in. When the author describes the combat in the Philippines, it is quite obvious that he is trying to shoehorn in the experiences of the National Guardsmen, and instead of adding to the narrative, the way it is written distracts significantly from the story he is trying to tell. From the way this book is laid out and how it is written, it doesn't seem like the author had enough material on the six groups of Guardsmen to justify this stand-alone account, as he relies on a narrative of larger events, using the tanks brigades as almost an insignificant detail to some of the events.
The bibliography is not very well laid out. Caldwell uses a great many sources, I just don't think he had enough material to justify the central topic. In looking through the bibliography, I don't see where he made any use of the S2/S3 journals of any of the units engaged. Samuel Milner's Victory in Papua is a good example of what could be done. This book covers the the tactical fight that the National Guard's 32d Infantry Division had in Papua, down to squad level, and Milner made extensive use of operational journals. All in all, a lost opportunity.
As an example, on p. 24 he speaks of the National Defense Act of 1920, and it's impact on the formation of Army divisions. He writes, "Eighteen states were to maintain divisions having the same organization as those of the regular army: called "square" divisions, these were essentially infantry units but contained one special troops battalion with one tank company, etc..." First, the army only had infantry formations because infantry and cavalry were the main maneuver units prior to World War II, and everything else supported these units. They were called square divisions because they were made up of four regiments. When the army went to divisions of three regiments in 1942, those divisions were called... triangular divisions. In chapter 2 on page 31, while referencing the off-duty activities in Louisville, the author writes, "One veteran fondly recalled "Dirty Nell"." That sentence was jarring because it has no relation to anything before or after. There are statements throughout the book that either don't really provide any detail or background on what is being said, or the statements are jarring because there is no lead in. When the author describes the combat in the Philippines, it is quite obvious that he is trying to shoehorn in the experiences of the National Guardsmen, and instead of adding to the narrative, the way it is written distracts significantly from the story he is trying to tell. From the way this book is laid out and how it is written, it doesn't seem like the author had enough material on the six groups of Guardsmen to justify this stand-alone account, as he relies on a narrative of larger events, using the tanks brigades as almost an insignificant detail to some of the events.
The bibliography is not very well laid out. Caldwell uses a great many sources, I just don't think he had enough material to justify the central topic. In looking through the bibliography, I don't see where he made any use of the S2/S3 journals of any of the units engaged. Samuel Milner's Victory in Papua is a good example of what could be done. This book covers the the tactical fight that the National Guard's 32d Infantry Division had in Papua, down to squad level, and Milner made extensive use of operational journals. All in all, a lost opportunity.
July 28, 2021
If I was rating this strictly as military history I'd have given this work a higher rating, as Caldwell has pulled together a strong account of the U.S. Provisional Tank Group sent to the Philippines in 1941. Also, as a community history, it's actually pretty good, and one presumes that Caldwell drew on materials the late Iris Chang pulled together for her own proposed book on the 192nd Tank Battalion (Caldwell received intellectual support from Chang's family).
Where I mark Caldwell down is that there are places where he needed to be more forthright about his own political and strategic perspective, seeing as he ultimately considers the American defense of the Philippines to have been a worthless sacrifice. In the bigger picture that's a defensible position which is hard to argue with. However, I expect the argument to be actually made; throwaway snide comments about the American strategic leadership of the time and taking umbrage at how "supposed isolationists" were pilloried for their position doesn't cut it.
Where I mark Caldwell down is that there are places where he needed to be more forthright about his own political and strategic perspective, seeing as he ultimately considers the American defense of the Philippines to have been a worthless sacrifice. In the bigger picture that's a defensible position which is hard to argue with. However, I expect the argument to be actually made; throwaway snide comments about the American strategic leadership of the time and taking umbrage at how "supposed isolationists" were pilloried for their position doesn't cut it.
March 31, 2024
I learned a lot, but I felt like the book was all over the place. I kept thinking I was missing an event or something in the timeline.
The beginning of the book was very interesting because I learned so much about the men who trained with the tanks (although many had not much training) and then were quickly sent to the Philippines. I did think sometimes the author was repetitive in the stories, and I was confused by some of the people, because their history (in the National Guard) seemed the same. But I thought it was really interesting where the main were trained, around Ohio, Kentucky, and many other northern states. It made their stories more real, since I have seen some of those forts and know people who have served there.
After that beginning part, I thought the parts where the troops arrived was interesting, but I didn't feel that I learned as much about the march or the capturing of the troops. I know a lot about Bataan, and the Bataan Death March in the US, and I wanted to know more about why and how we honor the men, but this book felt like I was missing part of the story.
The way the men suffered, marching, their starving bodies, ways to survive (counting dead bodies), ways of escaping, what they were fed, their medical issues - that was heart wrenching and surreal.
Learning more about MacArther was fascinating to me, especially once I realized he served in both WW1 and WW2. I also learned more about the timeline of this part of the war. Seeing how the American and Filipino troops worked together was so interesting - their roles, responsibilities, leadership.
The PTSD and medical issues described toward the end of the book with specific details about certain men hurt my soul.
The beginning of the book was very interesting because I learned so much about the men who trained with the tanks (although many had not much training) and then were quickly sent to the Philippines. I did think sometimes the author was repetitive in the stories, and I was confused by some of the people, because their history (in the National Guard) seemed the same. But I thought it was really interesting where the main were trained, around Ohio, Kentucky, and many other northern states. It made their stories more real, since I have seen some of those forts and know people who have served there.
After that beginning part, I thought the parts where the troops arrived was interesting, but I didn't feel that I learned as much about the march or the capturing of the troops. I know a lot about Bataan, and the Bataan Death March in the US, and I wanted to know more about why and how we honor the men, but this book felt like I was missing part of the story.
The way the men suffered, marching, their starving bodies, ways to survive (counting dead bodies), ways of escaping, what they were fed, their medical issues - that was heart wrenching and surreal.
Learning more about MacArther was fascinating to me, especially once I realized he served in both WW1 and WW2. I also learned more about the timeline of this part of the war. Seeing how the American and Filipino troops worked together was so interesting - their roles, responsibilities, leadership.
The PTSD and medical issues described toward the end of the book with specific details about certain men hurt my soul.
March 12, 2023
The book provides a lot of material I have had trouble finding about Armour against the Japanese. It perhaps cast its scope too wide trying to cover both the prewar preparation of the National Guard Armour, the combat operations in the Philippines and the horrific experiences of the POW both in Japanese captivity and their treatment after the war. The use of individual anecdotes and personal recollections lends credibility to some of the points made however the volume of these fragmentary records also leaves the reader with conflicting tales often not relating to the main topic.
Overall it is a somewhat exhausting read, albeit filled with material that deserves to be recorded. The Philippines campaign is presented reasonably accurately but largely in isolation. This was a period of the war which needs to be studied both to identify the mistakes made and to examine the failure of diplomacy and the use of sanctions to deter and punish aggression.
Overall it is a somewhat exhausting read, albeit filled with material that deserves to be recorded. The Philippines campaign is presented reasonably accurately but largely in isolation. This was a period of the war which needs to be studied both to identify the mistakes made and to examine the failure of diplomacy and the use of sanctions to deter and punish aggression.
July 7, 2022
This book presents the straight facts about how and why the tragedy of Bataan occurred including mistakes made by our military leaders. Many men endured unspeakable torture, starvation, and maltreatment at the hand of their Japanese captors. True stories are told that are horrific to hear. Then after the war our soldiers had a difficult time getting our government to take, at least some responsibility for what happened.
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January 1, 2021Interesting history of the National Guard Tank companies sent to the Philippines just prior to WWII
A thorough presentation of the battles of the Provisional Tank Group and the withdrawal to Bataan and their subsequent imprisonment by the Japanese, as well as the experiences of many of the officers and men who suffered through these ordeals.
A thorough presentation of the battles of the Provisional Tank Group and the withdrawal to Bataan and their subsequent imprisonment by the Japanese, as well as the experiences of many of the officers and men who suffered through these ordeals.
September 2, 2024
thunder
A rare tear off the shiny cover look at some military ineptitude and the horrible results of that. The glorification of war is needed when trying to get people involved in one… the truth is more accurately described in this book about a small aspect of the Pacific theater. We should not and do not forget.
A rare tear off the shiny cover look at some military ineptitude and the horrible results of that. The glorification of war is needed when trying to get people involved in one… the truth is more accurately described in this book about a small aspect of the Pacific theater. We should not and do not forget.
December 9, 2020
Detail
! The amount of information is incredible compared to other stories of the war in the Philippines. Information on the officer s decisions are laid out so that the reader can make judgements . The author must have been to a lot of the locations they are described well.
! The amount of information is incredible compared to other stories of the war in the Philippines. Information on the officer s decisions are laid out so that the reader can make judgements . The author must have been to a lot of the locations they are described well.
December 14, 2020
Informative.
April 20, 2022
It was an interesting read and very sad
August 8, 2025
Excellent narration. Well-researched and very detailed. Every one who loves history should read or listen to this book about the brave men who fought this important World War Two battle.
August 7, 2022
Beside my general interest in American history and WW2 history, I took interest in this book after touring the Philippine memorials at the site of the Bataan Death March, hosted by the grandson of a Filipino survivor of that march.
This book includes much more than a recounting of the military events in the Japanese conquest of the Philippines in the immediate wake of the Pearl Harbor attack. That in itself is interesting and took me beyond my very sketchy knowledge of that aspect of the Pacific War. However, there are three other distinct sections of the book of equal length and importance.
First, there is a detailed account of the formation of these National Guard tank units in the period before our entrance into the war. This includes individual accounts of both officers and enlisted men, describing their lives and how they came to join up.
Then, after the account of the military actions, there is a section that tells of the fate of the men and officers as prisoners of war after the surrender. We are told about the Bataan Death March, the conditions in the various prisoner of war/slave labor camps, the horrors of the deadly "Hell Ships" that transported prisoners away from the advancing American forces, and finally the liberation of the surviving POWs - less than half their original number.
Finally, there is a helpful (and sobering) account of the lives of many of the individual men as they returned home: Some were broken (physically and/or emotionally) beyond recovery, some went on to live successful lives, but it seems that just about all were forgotten or betrayed by the government that sent them unprepared to the Philippines and then failed to support them, either during the war or after.
This book includes much more than a recounting of the military events in the Japanese conquest of the Philippines in the immediate wake of the Pearl Harbor attack. That in itself is interesting and took me beyond my very sketchy knowledge of that aspect of the Pacific War. However, there are three other distinct sections of the book of equal length and importance.
First, there is a detailed account of the formation of these National Guard tank units in the period before our entrance into the war. This includes individual accounts of both officers and enlisted men, describing their lives and how they came to join up.
Then, after the account of the military actions, there is a section that tells of the fate of the men and officers as prisoners of war after the surrender. We are told about the Bataan Death March, the conditions in the various prisoner of war/slave labor camps, the horrors of the deadly "Hell Ships" that transported prisoners away from the advancing American forces, and finally the liberation of the surviving POWs - less than half their original number.
Finally, there is a helpful (and sobering) account of the lives of many of the individual men as they returned home: Some were broken (physically and/or emotionally) beyond recovery, some went on to live successful lives, but it seems that just about all were forgotten or betrayed by the government that sent them unprepared to the Philippines and then failed to support them, either during the war or after.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews