Carter B. Simpson

(November 3, 1915 — December 31, 1944), Captain, USMC. Served on Bataan and Corregidor; P.O.W.; perished on the hellship Oryoku Maru.

December 8-18, 1941

December 18, 1941

WAR 1941 – ? Olongapo December 8, 1941 Arrived Cavite December 9, 1941Cavite Bombed December 10, 1941 OLONGAPO – BINACAYAN It will be extremely difficult

December 19, 1941

DECEMBER 19, 1941 TO NAVY YARD, CAVITE In those early days of the war, there was but little harsh reality — we did not know

December 21-23, 1941

December 23, 1941

On reporting for duty on December 21, 1941 we discovered that the SOP did not have advance information of our coming and did not know

December 24-31, 1941

December 31, 1941

The next day, December 24, we moved to the Mariveles cutoff and there bivouacked. We were awaiting the arrival of our AA guns. Christmas Day

January 1-19, 1942

January 19, 1942

For quite a few days between firings we collected equipment by the beg-borrow-steal method, and finally we had what we thought necessary for any eventuality.

January 20-29, 1942

January 29, 1942

The first two days were spent in recruit fundamentals as well as camp building. We issued an order that these men were not to leave

April 8-May 13, 1942*

May 13, 1942

CORREGIDOR April 8-May 6, 1942* [*Entry dated to May 13 to include information in the entry] Bataan had been in many ways a fortunate tour

June 30, 1944

The half year mark finds us still here and still such insignificant pawns in the great game of war that we are subject to every

July 10, 1944

The camp commander was relieved and a Japanese officer took over — there has also been a large shakeup of the camp organization. What it

July 23, 1944

A new Japanese C.O. — he seems a man of decision and energy. Many intra-camp transfers of late, putting all Permanent Qtrs., civilians, etc. in

August 1, 1944

The complete blanket of apathy has settled over the camp — nothing inspires thought, emotions or actions. Would that some good news would come to

August 7, 1944

The rumored changes did take place, but the bks. Dr. marked both of us “qtrs.” and so, for another month anyway, we will remain where

August 29, 1944

I think the changes are about over now and that things will remain somewhat stabilized until the policy is changed by Manila, I am still

September 2, 1944

Another detail left for Japan today — no one was scratched from the list, not even the sick and I think that means that this

September 8, 1944

Everybody now thinks that this camp has reached its last days — we all feel like the old drama heroine tied to the tracks in

September 16, 1944

Well, another week has passed and no startling events have been forthcoming. The Japanese C.O. told the American C.O. just why it was necessary to

September 20, 1944

I suffered another “wound” because of the war. Yesterday I lost a vital tooth. Many times fillings have been broken out because of rocks in

September 21, 1944

Today, Thursday, it happened — we actually saw several hundred American bombers and fighters. It ranks with the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

September 22, 1944

Again this morning that heavenly sight which we had awaited so long. Again action in our vicinity as Yanks strafed our little air field. Very

September 25, 1944

All is not gold that glitters (or the sun has a ring around it) for Japanese have taken surgical equipment from us, almost all of

September 28, 1944

No sign of those Yank planes again — how we wait for them — waiting is now harder than it ever has been before. It

October 6, 1944

We can spend nothing but time now — our money is certainly no more good. My pay P 35 will buy 3 cups of corn

October 10, 1944

The Jap C.O.’s return heralded two details, one included 150 officers and again everyone thinks this camp is being closed out. We are afraid to

Thursday, October 12, 1944

October 12, 1944

I learned yesterday at noon that I was on an outgoing detail. Although I hate to go, I have been mentally prepared for a long