Phillipines Books

An absorbing look at what WW II Army combat cameramen and photographers experienced during that dreadful conflict. The author calls it "fictionalized nonfiction," based on fact but spiced a bit for page-turning readability. A fast read with a quirky little surprise at the end.

"Camera Soldiers, A Philippine Odyssey," is an interesting story of Army photographers, chronicling their valiant WWII activities in the Philippines where they faced the same dangers that other soldiers faced. Although the story is supposed to be fiction, it really tells of the personal experiences of the author, including some romantic interludes.

A first person account of our first occupation of a foreign land we invaded to liberate. A sad blow by blow description of the no-win battle in a country that really did not want us there.

It should come as no surprise to the reader that another untold battle is being fought in the Philippines now, where Al Qa'ida does have a genuine stronghold.

Truly an example of "Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it."

Jose Rizal was a hero's hero. Fighting with strength of character, determination, a burning sense of what was right, he coalesced a the Philippine's desire for freedom into a real revolution of the people. His weapons were courage, intellect and a seething desire for truth, no mater where that truth took him.

Should be a must read for youths of every country. Most adults could learn something too. The answer to the question, "What is a REAL hero?"

Margaret Sams has done it again. This wonderfully inspiring book tells the tale of women and their struggles during WWII. I highly recomend this touching book and Forbidden Family by Margaret Sams.

I've known the author for years. It is a pleasure and an honor to call this WWII vet a very dear friend. This book is written straight from the heart from someone who saw more things in his tenure in the service than most of us would see in 10 lifetimes.
Thanks Milt
Dean Waters

An amazinf feat of daring by a group of outnumbered Paratroopers, less than 3000, fighting against the best Japan had, namely Japanese Imperial Tiger Marines. Their strength was said to be over 6800. Only 21 Japaneses surrendered , 17 lived surviving their wounds. A tale of total disregard of human life. Corregidor was a small island fotress built by the US prior to WW2 and carried 56 major cannon emplacements behind concrete walls over 25 feet thick in parts and some sited over 600 feet above some of our forces. At the end of the battle over 6000 Japanese bodies covered the ground and fostered billions of flies and maggots entering our mouths while trying to eat or talk. A horrible experience which cannot be described in mear words. I was there.

"Corregidor: The Rock Force Assault" is the story of the island by that name which has played a prominent role in the defense of Manila Harbor. This book gives a good history of the island and the troops who recaptured it in 1945.

The book begins with the story of the conquest of the Philippines by American Forces in 1898 during the Spanish American War. It then continues with the military fortifications of the island during the American Administration. The Japanese conquest of the Philippines culminating in the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942 set the stage for the American reconquest.

Flanagan does an excellent job of introducing the reader to the assault forces, the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team and the 3rd Battalion Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division. We become familiar with the preparations of the 503d in the U. S., Australia and in its jumps at Nadzab in New Guinea and onto Noemfoor Island.

With the invasion of the Philippines proceeding successfully the hour for the redemption of American honor at Corregidor arrived. The small available drop zones on the island made the airborne assault most unlikely and, therefore, a total surprise to the Japanese defenders. Flanagan takes the reader through the challenges met by the assault force, the means of attack by air, sea and land, the Japanese resistance and the descriptions of the ambient conditions which add to the hellish atmosphere of war. The fanatical Japanese resistance captures our amazement while the cave by cave extermination of the enemy brings to mind contemporary reports form Afghanistan.

The emotional climax of the book is Gen. MacArthur's triumphant return to Corregidor, by PT boat, just as he left three years before, during which he orders: "I see the old flag pole still stands. Have your troops hoist the colors to its peak and let no emery ever haul them down."

"Corregidor" is an excellent choice for anyone with an interest in the details of combat or the history of the War in the Philippines.

If you like political intrigue and/or spy novels, I suggest doing yourself a favor and just buy all of Vince Flynn's books now. Start with "Term Limits" and you'll be hooked. "Executive Power" is excellent. But, of course I have followed these characters through the first 4 of this series. The character development happens throughout the series so you may not be as drawn to the characters if you read "Excutive Power" first.

I love Flynn's books, but this one was not one of his best. I thought the history and politics of Israel and Palestine was very interesting. There were actually two story lines in this book. The Palestinian plot by David against the Saudi millionaire misfit who sponsored David's terrorism and then the kidnapped family in the Philippines. Rapp is directly involved in saving the family and it was a bit far-fetched. Rapp's new wife is a pain. She is a reporter who is only interested in getting a story and not about keeping her mouth shut regarding Rapp's covert activities. This book cannot compare to Memorial Day.

Not Flynn's best work and not the most entertaining of Rapp's exploits. However, still good enough that I want to read the next in the series and that as a whole, it remains one of my favorites.

The first reaction I had to this book after I finished reading it and put it down was... why was it called "Executive Power"? Except for the fact that the Chief executive doesn't exert his power, I think it is a great title! Seriously, the title sounds great, and there is even a bullet hole in the cover to make it seem like POTUS is involved in some action or shows off his power, but alas, it is more Mitch and his wife who is sad while he is away (which is getting tiring).

Parts of this book were enjoyable, but for the most part, it is a place holder while I get ready to read the next book in this series. If you want a good type of book like this, that actually uses the chief executive's power, try reading Gary Grossman's book "Executive Action" which (like the title says) features an executive involved in some action. Just be warned that some of the earlier versions of that book had serious typos. I assume they've been cleaned up since it was published.

President Hayes has the power, but he looks the other way when it gets down to the real world of dealing with terrorists. This is where Mitch Rapp and his Seal Team take over and feel the justice of the gun is the only justice that terrorists understand.

Mitch's world was very simple for him and his method of operation straight forward, but then his identity is revealed by a stupid politician and now he has a target on his back throughout the world. To even complicate his life more, he gets married. He promises his new bride that he will modify his profession and stay on the side lines during operations; you'll find that nothing could be further from the truth.

Mitch and his Seal Team are called upon to deal with a corrupt Phillipine General who is allowing an American family to be held hostage. If this isn't enogh to do, they have to stop an international terrorist who is bent on creating another War between Israel and the Arab countries. This has a great twist to it. This was my first Mitch Rapp story and I will read more.