When the American forces in the Philippines surrendered in May 1942; a mining engineer named Wendell Fertig chose to take his chances in the jungle. What happened to him during nearly three years behind enemy lines is the amazing story that John Keats tells in They Fought Alone. With the aid of a handful of Americans who also refused to surrender; Fertig led thousands of Filipinos in a seemingly hopeless war against the Japanese. They made bullets from curtain rods; telegraph wire from iron fence. They fought off sickness; despair and rebellion within their own forces. Their homemade communications were MacArthur’s eyes and ears in the Philippines. When the Americans finally returned to Mindanao; they found Fertig virtually in control of one of the world’s largest islands; commanding an army of 35;000 men; and bringing a measure of hope to a beleaguered people. John Keats; who also served in the Philippines; captures all the pain; brutality; and courage of this incredible drama. They Fought Alone is a testament to the ingenuity and sheer guts of an authentic American hero.
#884076 in Books 2014-04-01 2014-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .60 #File Name: 1626194793160 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Very interesting book; bringing history aliveBy AllegraIn an excellently-researched book amplified by maps and pictures; this book is well worth reading. It's easy to read and the author moves the story along at a comfortable pace. The book shines a light on the economics of slavery and the drive for money and power that perpetuated that horrible dehumanizing practice; where people were just "cargo"; through the life of James DeWolf and those who intersected with his life. While it serves to debunk some of the local lore about DeWolf and local slaving practices; the book would be compelling reading to anyone (like me) wanting a better understanding of the historical dynamics of that time period. I highly recommend reading the book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Clear eyed; thorough and succinct. This book is ...By Susan Fales-hillClear eyed; thorough and succinct. This book is a "must read" for anyone seeking to understand the history of the "Deep North" and its role in the slave trade. Ms Mestad Johnson eloquently and humanely limns the economy of Rhode Island in the 18th and 19th Century and her revelations are nothing short of jaw dropping. Thank you; Ms. Mestad Johnson for shedding light on the truth.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The slave trade in Rhode Island was not covered previously ...By Anthony J. AgostinelliThe slave trade in Rhode Island was not covered previously in such detail and such historical accuracy; as Cynthia Mestad Johnson's work. I read much in this accurate historical work that I had never before known. For every Rhode Islander and historian; this is a 'must have' and 'read' for all of us.
