The Palawan Massacre: the American Heroes of World War II

News provided by

Rajah Travel Corporation (Philippines)

Apr 14, 2015, 08:40 ET

ANAHEIM, Calif., April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventy years ago, in December of 1944, Japanese captors forced 150 American POWs into a below-ground air shelter, doused them with gasoline, set them on fire, and then machine gunned, bayoneted and clubbed the screaming men to death. With nothing to lose, a few of these men tried running out of the fiery pit, bravely facing bayonets to bring the enemy down with them to their fiery deaths before they were shot.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150413/198344

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150413/198345

Miraculously, eleven escaped to tell their story. Local brave Filipino men and women of Puerto Princesa, Palawan risked their lives to help the remaining 11 escapees and nurse them back to health until they could find a way to get them home to their American forces. More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers fought under the American flag during World War II.

It is almost surreal that this all happened in one of the most beautiful places on earth - in this hidden piece of paradise in the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island in the Philippines. Today, the spot where the American prisoners of war were burned to death in Plaza Cuartel, has been transformed into a peaceful garden-like setting by the sea.

On April 21-23, 2015, people from all over the world composed of Diplomats, VIPs from other nations, descendants of the survivors, ordinary folk who want to pay their respects, World War 2 Veterans, and Veterans from other wars, are coming together to this beautiful island to finally honor those POWs who lost their lives after suffering in captivity. After 70 years, this story is hardly known but the place is hallowed ground for those who know of what took place, as the tragedy of the American POWs and the Liberation of Palawan was never commemorated. The names of all who perished are inscribed in a simple marker. It is inexcusable to forget these men who died this way far away from home.

"The 70^th Anniversary of the Liberation of Palawan" is to be celebrated and for their sacrifice, the men who died in this place will be finally honored. This is a once in a lifetime celebration as we commemorate these brave men who lost their lives on this April 21-23 for its 70th Anniversary and a rare opportunity to be part of a lost historical event.

The event site: https://www.etouches.com/ehome/palawanliberation/228223/?&

For a full account of the story on the Palawan Massacre, please go to: http://www.palawanheroesworldwar2.com/

Contact:
Joannie Feliciano
714-844-2178
Email
https://www.etouches.com/ehome/palawanliberation/228223/

SOURCE Rajah Travel Corporation (Philippines)