Denny Williams, Author at The Philippine Diary Project

Denny Williams

(July 28, 1907 — April 27, 1997), American nurse-anesthetist. Served in Bataan and Corregidor; P.O.W. in Santo Tomas.

December 8, 1941

I can’t believe what I’m told and know! Mrs. Roesholm called me at 7:30 a.m. and said, “The Japanese have bombed Honolulu”. That was the

December 10, 1941

We worked and worked and still more casualties came. This is awful! Many officers and soldiers are without arms and without Legs; now I know

December 13, 1941

Bill came home today from Paracale. He had a hectic trip; he traveled by train in a total blackout last night. I believe he thinks

December 18,1941

December 18, 1941

Bill went into the Army today. We didn’t discuss his decision; he knows what he wants, and I shall not voice an opinion. Many other

December 20, 1941

Still there are more bombings and more casualties. Rumors are a dime a dozen.

December 24, 1941

During an air raid Bill and I went after an adorable puppy. She is an Australian bulldog; in my opinion the name “Lady” will suit

December 25, 1941

It is now 1 p.m. What a Christmas! With a multitude of patients, Sternberg Hospital was in a turmoil this morning; trucks and trucks of

December 26, 1941

Bill came by. this afternoon; he leaves tonight for Bataan. I tried not to cry, but I couldn’t help it. When he went out the

December 30, 1941

It is 2:00 p.m. I am in a quandary as I sit here in our apartment. In my purse a four by six inch card

January 1, 1942

After having escaped from the Japanese in Manila, we are practically free lancing here on Bataan; it is certainly a case of the survival of

January 1, 1942

A Japanese observation plane, known as Photo Joe, paid us an early morning call.Evidently he photographed several trucks, cars and a some Filipino troops concentrated

January 3, 1942

We are now iiving on the river bank in a bamboo hut. We cook on a charcoal stove and use our hut only for our

January 8, 1942

I have been so busy the past few days in our bamboo but that I have neglected my diary. We, the Lapham family and I,

January 10, 1942

Colonel Craig sent for me to come and work here; I’m to give anesthetics at Hospital #2. I’m happy as I feel I’m doing something

February 14, 1942

We are working like demons… Casualties from bombings and patients with malaria and dysentery are admitted in large numbers daily. food is very scant; but