European situation [is] tightening. Exchanging blow for blow in the Pacific. Chinese captured Attu and having some successes. Islands around Italy surrendered. On troops, moving through Spain; Major ammo ‘beaten severely by Nips on [the] farm. Nip hit him with [a] huge club. Returned on Nip and Nip ran. Brought back 4 more & they almost beat the Major to death. Had to be carried out on a stretcher. He was stiff as a board. Have been on [the] farm for [the] last 3 days. Nips work from sun up, till after sundown. Have soldiers with clubs over you all day. Not a very pleasant life. General in charge of all prisoners [had] inspected yesterday. Food is getting worse. Diet is still not sufficient by far. Boys come in from Manila today & stated that Nips are still selling American Red Cross goods sent here for American prisoners of war & which we received very little.
Philip H. Meier
Major, U.S. Army, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 57th Infantry Regiment, 21st Infantry Division, Philippine Scouts. P.O.W. in Cabanatuan. Perished on the Hell ship Enoura Maru in December, 1944.
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