In September 1940, Jesse L. Miller, a twenty-year-old from Casper, Wyoming, joined the United States Army Air Corps to pursue his chosen photography. For the next five years he experienced some of the most brutal treatment of modern warfare. His is truly a remarkable story. Miller’s book depicts his WWII experiences, including the surprise attack on Clark Field in the Philippines, the Battle of Bataan, the Bataan Death March, O’Donnell Hell Camp, Cabanatuan Prison Camp # 1, Bilibid Camp , his transport aboard one of the ships of hell and his slavery in Japan; but it also represents his sermons where he spoke of those horrendous experiences of imprisonment. Through all the pain and suffering, Miller’s faith grew stronger and, in some cases, he hoped to be with Him, his Lord, before the day was out. Miller felt his life was spared to lead others to the words of Christ.
Of all the men, both Filipino and American, who surrendered at Bataan, 65% did not survive the brutal incarceration by the Japanese Imperial Forces. Unlike my uncle Charles Gregory, a member of Jesse Miller’s 20th Pursuit Squad, the 20th Pursuit Group, the US Army Air Corps, Miller survived along with Charles’s other friends, Ernest Loy, Nelson Quast and Winifred Agnes. Other friends of Charles Gregory and Jesse Miller also survived, including Jack Elkins, Ben Steele, Bob Mailheau, and Sydney Stewart. These Air Corps members were part of only the 35% percent that survived. I think they were lucky enough to share those experiences with others. Some of them have been written or have been written in various books, among them, Give us this day, Tears in the dark, Sort out, Y Honor captured.
This author’s story is remarkable and uplifting. His strong faith in Christ is most admirable. Miller suffered beatings, hunger, dysentery, beriberi, malaria, slavery and humiliation, but despite everything, he grew stronger and always realized that Christ had suffered much worse than he.
After Miller’s release and repatriation to the United States, the author returned to the Philippines to preach the gospel. He is truly a heroic and selfless believer. Also, in this book, there is a wealth of first-hand artwork from Ben Steele, one of Miller’s surviving companions. I highly recommend this book because it can be an anchor in the storm, especially the storm, trials, and tribulations experienced in today’s society! This book recalls the words of Romans 5: 3-4. … but we also rejoice in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings perseverance; and perseverance, tried character and tried character, hope … Prisoner of hope it is an inspiring read.