The Great Raid on Cabanatuan: Rescuing the Doomed Ghosts of Bataan and Corregidor

by William B. Breuer

From the critically acclaimed author whom The Wall Street Journal called ""a first-class historian,"" here is a riveting account of one of the most spectacular rescue operations in history. On January 30, 1945, American troops staged a successful raid on Cabanatuan, a notorious Japanese POW camp where thousands of prisoners had been tortured and died. Based on interviews with the heroes who survived the raid, this book brings to life in electrifying detail the dramatic events that took place on that historic day.

Praise for William B. Breuer and his books

""A first-class historian."" --The Wall Street Journal

""Fast-paced, detailed, and satisfyingly dramatic."" --World War II Magazine on Devil Boats

""Another smasher by Breuer, who specializes in thrilling reports of WWII spycraft and warfare."" --Kirkus Reviews on Race to the Moon

""Vivid . . . skillfully written."" --Los Angeles Times on Retaking the Philippines

""Brings to life how airborne soldiers survived, how the human will prevails . . . against overwhelming enemies, tactical failures, and even death.""--The New York Times on Geronimo: American Paratroopers in World War II

Early on the morning of January 28, 1945, a small detachment of volunteers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Mucci, leader of the 6th Ranger Battalion, embarked from their base in the Philippines on the most audacious rescue operation ever undertaken. Their objective: Penetrate thirty miles behind enemy lines and liberate 511 POWs from Cabanatuan, the notorious Japanese POW camp where thousands of American prisoners had been brutally tortured and killed. Little did Mucci's Rangers know when they got under way that morning that over the next few days and nights they would be making history.

Written by acclaimed military historian William B. Breuer, The Great Raid on Cabanatuan is a riveting account of that rescue mission and the gallant soldiers who carried it out against overwhelming odds. Based largely on interviews with the heroes who survived the operation, and featuring twenty-eight previously unpublished photographs--many of them taken while the raid was in progress--it brings to life in electrifying detail the dramatic events that took place on the night of the raid, January 30, and during the harrowing days that followed.

In sketching out the many roads that led to Cabanatuan, Breuer brilliantly combines oral history with dramatic narrative to bring to life some of the most spectacular events of the war in the Pacific. We relive the hellish battles for Bataan and Corregidor, where in 1942 American and Filipino soldiers fought bravely to hold back the Japanese invasion force. We experience firsthand the horrors of the Bataan Death March on which tens of thousands of prisoners lost their lives en route to Cabanatuan. And we learn of the American underground and guerilla operations in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation from the men and women behind them, including Margaret Utinsky, leader of ""Miss U's underground,"" and Claire Phillips, the glamorous lounge singer turned spy- master.

A gripping chronicle of one of the most harrowing rescue missions ever undertaken as told in all its gritty detail by the heroes who made it happen, The Great Raid on Cabanatuan is both a first-class piece of military scholarship and a thrilling adventure story.

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

238 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

William B. Breuer landed with the first assault waves in Normandy on D-Day (June 6, 1944), then fought across Europe. Later, he founded a daily newspaper on a string in Rolla, Missouri, and after that, a highly successful public relations firm in St. Louis, Missouri. He had been writing books full time since 1982

Reviews

[Silvana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not as amazing as Band of Brothers (Stephen Ambrose), this book still has its own greatness. Yes, I think one or two years ago, there was a movie released that was based on this book (there's Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Fiennes in it), but the movie really sucked.

Anyway, this is compulsory for all you military history buffs. It tells about the greatest rescue mission in the history of US Army: the rescue of 511 POWs by US Rangers, Alamo Scout and Phillipine guerillas from the horrible Camp Cabanatuan during the World War II. That's not all, this book also tells about the horror of the Bataan Death March after the US surrender to Japan in Corregidor & Bataan. I'm sure everybody knows about MacArthur's famous words: I shall return.He escaped to Australia while waiting in vain for the US government's decision to reinforce his troops (which was neglected eventually because they wanted to concentrate to demolish Hitler).

One thing interesting is that although the US finally won the Pacific War, the natives, in this case the Phillipines who suffered and fought hand in hand with the US troops was taken for granted in the end. Do you know that the US provided more than US$ 30 million of post-war fund for Yugoslavia (soon to be an ally of US' Cold War nemesis) while the Phillipines only received US$ 3 million? Geez...

[Debby Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was browsing Netflix and saw a movie called The Great Raid starring James Franco, Benjamin Bratt, and others. I saw what the movie was about and thought "This should be a great movie!"

It wasn't.

The story, however, was. I ran to the library and listened to The Great Raid. It wasn't the best writing ever, but I adore Patrick Lawlor's narrations. The story was still fantastic and I am so glad to know more about these heroic soliders.

[Rhianna Schoonover · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my great grandfather's was rescued in the raid on Cabanatuan. I never got the chance to meet him, but through this book I learned a lot about the character of the men who fought to save him and hundreds of other mistreated, starved, abused POWs. From the Alamo Scouts to the Army Rangers to the Philippine Guerrillas, each and every man and woman and child that helped save those 300+ lives deserves to have their story known to the world. I'm grateful to Mr. Breuer for having written this book, to have told this story when all too often it is a forgotten part of WWII Pacific history.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed and well-documented account of events leading up to the mission and of te rescue. I always learn so much about our history from reading accounts such as this one. I gave it four stars because it is a little dry and filled with references from individuals involved. Not that the references make it bad, they just make reading it less engulfing. I'm still glad I read this book!

[Matias Myllyrinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tells an interesting story and covers historic events. However, feels like it was written by the propaganda department during the war. The Japanese are depicted as cruel, sadistic and as paper thin characters of evil. Americans are all brave, smart and heroic.

I’m sure the incidents were horrible and POW:s were mistreated and killed but the depiction of real humans as paper thin stereotypes makes this book cringe worthy at times.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of story that I really enjoy reading about- bold, audacious operations far behind enemy lines. And the Cabanatuan raid is arguably the mother of them all, ably told here by William Breuer. It begins with the story of the fall of Corregidor and Bataan, MacArthur's escape to Australia, and takes us through the horrifying Bataan Death March and the brutal prison life of the march survivors. This material is what makes up most of the book- I was surprised to find that the raid itself takes up only a few chapters towards the end. This is not really a complaint, though. Breuer did an excellent job detailing the covert operations happening on the Philippines before the raid, especially the underground operations undertaken by both Americans living in the Philippines and Filipino civilians determined to see the Japanese defeated. Among these were the nurse "Miss U," who built a whole network devoted to smuggling in life-saving food and medicine to the Cabanatuan POWs, and "High Pockets," an entertainer who set up a nightclub where she wined and dined Japanese soldiers for the purpose of gathering intelligence. These were fascinating to read about, along with the Filipino guerillas who assisted them.
It may not be the most riveting storytelling ever, but it is still a very well-researched and intimate portrait of the men and women who contributed to the success of this operation. It is a pretty easy and entertaining read, and I am happy to recommend it.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This military history provides a pretty comprehensive look at the fall of the Philippines in the opening months of WWII, focusing especially on the fate of US and Philippino prisoners forced by the Japanese to walk most of the way to Camp O'Donnell and Camp Cabanatuan. The illegal treatment of the POWs in the camps is well known, now. Oddly, the postwar punishments of Japanese officers responsible for the mistreatment seems to have been even less punitive than those meted out for Nazi officers.
We've been to Cabanatuan only once, and didn't know about the memorial, so we'll revisit the city. The memorial in Capas, Tarlac at Camp O'Donnell, we've visited several times.

Not mentioned in the book, of course, is that the rescue of the men in Cabanatuan was the model for the total failure of the attempt to rescue prisoners in the Son Tay POW camp in Vietnam. General Manor, the commander of the raid, was head of the 13th Air Force when I was here back in 72-74. I attended several 'briefings' he gave on the failed raid, as a photographer for 'grip and grin' photo ops at the end. They were given to groups of officers visiting Clark, for unknown reasons. He was always an arrogant bastard during these events, totally palming off the failure on others. No surprise. I wondered how many enlisted men and low level officers suffered because of his failures and arrogance?

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I nave to give a 5 star review because the book was enthralling from beginning to end. But I still had problems with this book. My major problem with this book is the raid only took about thirty pages to cover in the book. The rest of the book dealt with people helping the prisoner at Canabatuan Prisoner of War Camp and there was so much about Douglas MacArthur and his exploits. Now the author did give some very good notes on the events occurring in the Philippines under Japanese control. I also did care how it presented MacArthur in such a positive light. The men at Bataan and Corregidor at least the one I spoke to back in the late 60's had no love loss for Dugout, Bugout Doug. Now I know he was ordered out, but I just don't feel this book present a balanced picture of MacArthur it was all one sided Still it was a thrilling story to read and I will shelve it on my history shelf in my library.

[Malachi Cyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book about the coolest special ops mission in WWII. I mean, the rescue of the POWs from the Cabanatuan camp was really phenomenal, and the best part about it was that the whole operation had the goal of saving life rather than destroying it. This book compiles the stories of the prisoners themselves, the Filipino Gorillas, and the Rangers and Alamo Scouts to put together one really awesome piece of history. It does contain some language in direct quotes, and a mention of spies seducing Japanese officers, as well as detailing some of the horrors and atrocities committed toward the POWs and Resistance operatives, so that is something to be aware of if you're planning on reading it. However, it is a really cool piece of history that anyone who appreciates courage and heroism should read.

[William Matthies · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with a lot of the nonfiction history books I read, my review of this one is affected by the subject. It shouldn't be; a book review should be about the book, not the story it tells. But the Ranger mission to free over 500 POWs from a Japanese prison camp towards the end of WWII is so incredible it had to have an impact.

If you do decide to read it I suggest you first watch the excellent movie, "The Great Raid" (https://youtu.be/N51IAYnlNK0). As is generally true with movies, this one only shows a microcosm of the entire story rather than all described in the book. Read the book first and you'll continually be noting what the movie did not address rather than simply enjoying it as one of the best WWII movies ever.

Just make sure you read this book after, you won't be disappointed.

[Schoppie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most inspiring stories of World War II, and Breuer's book is excellent! One of the things I like most about this book is that it gives equal credit and attention to the Filipinos, Guerillas, Defenders of Bataan, MacArthur, and the 6th Rangers along with the various men and women of the resistance movement and thus makes a complete story out of what might otherwise have been described as a strictly U.S. Army endeavor. I never hear or read this story without being incredibly moved, humbled, and impressed with what these great men and women accomplished, and Breuer's telling is among the best!

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

On most counts, this would rank as an enjoyable history of a remarkable moment in WWII annals. If you are a history writer, however, it's just bad luck if Hampton Sides decides to write a book about the same event seven years later. Few writers can match Sides' narrative skill, and so in a direct comparison "The Great Raid" is not as well crafted as "Ghost Soldiers." That said, it's still a gripping read!

[Timothy Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

It remains shocking to see how horrible humans can be to one another as is documented in this book. Another great story of courage and perseverance of that "greatest generation." Well worth the read. I also loved hearing of all of the Minnesotans that played a part. (Too bad I don't still live there - I'd like to visit all of their towns and see if there are remembrances of them there.)

[Jim Standridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Most of it is the lead up to the actual raid. Information on the groups participating in the raid and on the local gorilla and resistance groups, and what is going on in the camp itself. Very interesting information overall. Author includes some personal history on random members of the assault team and civilians helping the prisoners. Well worth the read.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story and tells of the forgotten POW's in world war II, For three years over 500 prisoners waited for their government to not only remember them but to put together the rescue to save them from the horrors of war.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this moving story of human endurance. Somewhere around halfway it dawned on me that I may have listened to, or read, this story several years ago; and didn’t mind at all, since it is a pretty good story.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of the raid and ample background information to what was much more than just a daring feat on a single night. In fact, the author does a splendid job of showing just how much of an under represented struggle took place for the Philippines throughout the war. Quite a moving take.

[Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story from the greatest generation

William Breuers account on the Raid on Cabanatuan prison camp was another great WWII in the Pacific read. The unsung hero’s of the 6th Ranger Battalion will live on throughout history.

[Richard Bunaskavich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written & a part of our history that should never be forgotten.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Sam Motes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, but I would recommend Hampton Sides "Ghost Soldiers" over it as they cover much of the same details.

[Barry Davidoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

i started this book because one of the ladies in my library book group siad that she grew up in Connecticut as the next door neighbor of Colonel Mucci who lead the raid. Due to only two degrees of separation I had to read it The author William Breuer landed in D-Day. He not only writes about the military but lived through it. The book is gripping to describing the more than 500 prisoners were freed and the men who conducted the raid.
I knew the outcome since ergo, the lady in my book group would not have been his post war neighbor. However the book was exciting. It had the right mix of action and back ground Mucci was a great war hero and this book has a special link to him

[Drew Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of military history read this book. This true story is about the greatest generation's bravery, ingenuity, and courage in the rescuing of POW's held captive in the Philippines during World War II. The way in which the rescue operation was organized and executed is still used as the model for current special forces teams around the world. Not only does this book talk about the rescue of the POW's it delves into the lives of the POW's during their captivity and before and after their capture. Overall a great read.

[Elliotte Bagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story, what happened to Americans and Filipinos during WW2 at the hands of the Japanese is truly horrifying, and something that should be more well taught in school history classes. From the downfall of the Phillipines as the Japanese overtook it, to the resistance tactics and horrendous conditions of those suffering in POW camps or rounded up by the Japanese police, to the raid itself, is one of those slices of history that feels closer to fantastical fiction, the fact that it happened is insane. This is a book for history fans and EVERYONE else!

[Boo Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based upon the true events of one of the worst moments in military history. There are parts of this book that are quite disturbing and graphic, so if you cannot handle something like that then I suggest that you do not read this book. However it is an amazing story to read. It is simply an amazing story in itself. Breuer did an excellent job of capturing the emotions and the impact of what these POWs were forced to endure. If you like military history then this is most definitely a book for you.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fighting on Luzon in the Philippines from a slightly different perspective from Tears in the Darkness (TitD). It does represent a much kinder view of Gerneral MacArthur. It also describes the establishment of the Army Rangers and Alamo Scout companies of the war. I'm glad I read TitD first because it was more personal and made it easier to then expand out a little and understand the wheres and whos of this story. Nice read.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly an outstanding history of what happened at Bataan and Corregidor and is 1000% better then the movie. At times the truth just stressed me our so very much that I had to put the book down --- well written, told, plotted and made me cry --- but it needs to be read in honor of all our service people!

[Jennefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've seen the movie you should read the book. There are important parts missing in the movie. You will have a better understanding of what the nurse does in the book. She is/was an amazing women.

[Erik Ronningen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, incredible story. I was inspired by the way the Filipino natives readily gave up their most valued possessions to help the POWs, rather like what the church is supposed to do for each other.