Bataan Death March

The Bataan Death March was a terrible event during World War II. It happened in April 1942 after the Battle of Bataan in the Philippines. Around 72,000 to 78,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forced to walk a long distance of about 105 kilometres (65 miles) by the Imperial Japanese Army.

These soldiers, who were prisoners of war, suffered greatly during this march. Many were hurt or killed along the way. After the war, some Japanese leaders were held responsible for their actions during this march. One leader, General Masaharu Homma, was executed in 1946 for his role in the events that happened during the march.

Background

Prelude

General Edward P. King discusses surrender terms with Japanese officers to end the Battle of Bataan

When General Douglas MacArthur returned to his duties, the plans for defending the Philippine Islands were not realistic because they did not consider all the countries fighting together against Japan. Still, the plans were good for defending the area around Manila Bay.

The goal was to protect the entrance to Manila Bay and, if the Japanese won, to move to the Bataan Peninsula to defend it as long as possible. MacArthur took command of the Allied forces and wanted a stronger defense plan, but the original plan was used again when needed.

The Japanese landed on December 22, 1941, and quickly moved forward. By December 26, Manila was declared an open city. The Battle of Bataan started on January 7, 1942, and lasted until April 9, when the forces there surrendered.

Forced March

After the fighting ended in Bataan on April 9, 1942, many soldiers from the United States and the Philippines were captured by the Japanese Army. They were gathered in towns called Mariveles and Bagac and forced to walk a long distance to a prison camp. This painful journey became known as the Bataan Death March.

During the march, the soldiers did not get enough food or water, and many were treated very harshly. They were forced to walk long distances with little rest. Many became very sick, and some sadly did not survive this difficult time. The march was very long, covering about 105 kilometres (65 miles), and many soldiers suffered greatly along the way.

Wartime public responses

It was not until January 27, 1944, that the U.S. government told the American public about the march, when it shared statements from military officers who had escaped. Soon after, these officers' stories appeared in a Life magazine article. The Bataan Death March and other actions were used to stir strong feelings in the United States. America later fought back, defeating Japan at the Battle of Leyte in October 1944. U.S. and Filipino forces then recaptured the Bataan Peninsula in January 1945, and Manila was liberated in early March.

General George Marshall said:

These harsh actions against helpless victims show how far the Japanese people have come from their old ways. ... We tell the Japanese leaders and people that the future of Japan depends completely on whether they can move past their old, cruel habits.

In response, the Japanese tried to defend themselves. They used The Manila Times to claim that the prisoners were treated well and that any deaths were because American commanders waited too long to surrender.

War crimes trial

In September 1945, Masaharu Homma was arrested by Allied troops and charged with serious wrongdoings during the war. He was found responsible for allowing terrible actions by his troops and was sentenced to death. He was executed on April 3, 1946.

Masanobu Tsuji, who had given orders that led to the deaths of prisoners, fled to avoid being tried. Two of Homma’s officers were later tried, sentenced to death, and executed in 1949.

Post-war commemorations, apologies, and memorials

Main article: Memorials to Bataan Death March victims

In 2010, Japan’s Foreign Minister apologized to six former American soldiers who had been prisoners of war during World War II, including two survivors of the Bataan Death March. They, along with their families, were invited to visit Japan at Japan’s expense.

Bataan Death March Memorial featuring Filipino and American soldiers at the Veterans Memorial Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico

In 2012, a film documentary was made about the Bataan Death March and prisoner-of-war camps. The film included scenes of the camps and ships, drawings and writings by the prisoners, and was narrated by an actress.

Many memorials, such as monuments and plaques, have been created in the United States and the Philippines to honor the victims of the Bataan Death March. Special events are held each year, including holidays, races, and ceremonies at military cemeteries. April 9, the day the march began, is a national holiday in the Philippines called the Day of Valor.

New Mexico

The 2013 Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range

The Bataan Death March greatly affected New Mexico because many of the American soldiers were from there, especially from the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery units. The old state capitol building in New Mexico is now called the Bataan Memorial Building and is used for government offices.

Each year in early spring, a long-distance race called the Bataan Memorial Death March is held at White Sands Missile Range. In 2017, over 6,300 people joined, breaking the previous record and collecting lots of food and supplies for local charities.

Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory

Because many Filipino workers live on the island of Diego Garcia, an annual memorial march is held there. The marchers leave from the marina by boat to Barton Point and walk south to the plantation ruins. The march includes Filipino workers, British Royal Marines, Royal Military Police, and United States sailors.

Notable captives and survivors

Many people were held during this difficult time. Some of them later shared their stories, including: