Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island, Manila Bay.

Beyond humbling.

Our brave soldiers (including nurses) held the Imperial Japanese Army at bay for five months until they succumbed on May 6 and Gen. Wainright surrendered. They survived in the Malinta Tunnel (me with Gunnery Sgt. John Flynn's coin as a tribute at one entrance). (Malinta means many leeches.)

And again by one of the 12" guns that can put a 1000 lb. shell 17 miles down range. Japanese hid in their hand-dug caves (you've seen the famous flame throwers in action on them.)

Then the "disappearing gun" another 12-incher that, through a counterweight system, after firing would rock down and hide from the enemy. That's a 500 lb. bomb crater from our guys during the retaking during Feb 16-26, 1945.

Tuesday was one of the most moving days of my life....second only to today...my visit to Lingayen Gulf, site of my father's wounding. More to come.