From the Pacific Rim to Spain- four true stories during World War 2
The subject of World War 2 is an immense topic that you could spend your whole life studying. So many amazing stories of bravery, courage, and heroics that it would take a lifetime to read all of them. These four stories may not be set in the European theatre of France and Germany but in Spain protecting preparations for the southern military movement that paired with D-day as well as from a China perspective and experiences in the Phillipines. As with all true stories of heroism and absolute courage, you will not be disappointed.
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The Story of Dr. Wassell
Dr. Wassell was a country doctor in Arkansas and then on to researching when he enlisted to help in WW 2. He was sent to the Phillipines to a military hospital when the island was overtaken by the Japanese. This story follows him and his wounded soldiers as they try to traverse the island to escape.
The book by James Hilton is a short fast read and then I recommend the movie (starring Gary Cooper) as it is very well done. The movie can be hard to find, just be sure it is for the right region code if you order online.
The Story of Gladys Alward
I mentioned Gladys Alward in the article fascinating reads about Japan but her story is always worth mentioning again. Gladys Alward was a British women who worked as a maid to raise money for a train ticket to China. Her biography chronicles her journey on the long train ride which was quite the adventure even before she arrived in China.
Once she arrived in China, she cares for a large group of children when the Japanese attack. She must help a long line of children to escape over the mountains to safety. Her story is truly inspiring and you can follow it up with the romanticized Inn of the Sixth Happiness starring Ingrid Bergman.
The Spy Wore Red
American Aline Griffith enlisted to help in the war through the newly formed “Farm”. She was one of a few sent to Spain with the OSS as an undercover spy. Because of her good looks as a model, her cover story was as a glamorous international employee of an oil company. Her job was to mingle with the jet set group and uncover assassins, missing items, and moles. Who to trust became a life or death situation for her many times.
As she rubbed shoulders with famous actors and nobles, she met and fell in love with the Count of Romanones. Using her newly titled stance as a countess, her missions did not stop and overlapped from Gestapo to the cold war. The Spy Wore Red is the first in her series.
Evidence Not Seen
Darlene Deibler Rose was a missionary wife in the jungles of New Guinea when she and her husband were taken by the Japanese. She endured four years in a prison camp and eventually returned to the mission field. Her story encompasses the hardship to reach tribes before they were taken prisoner and the incredible circumstances in the prison camp. One of the best memoirs of World War 2 prison camps from a Pacific theatre perspective. An amazing read and one worth holding on to.
