Ethel Thomas Herold

(1896 — 1988). Teacher in the Philippines from 1922-27, resident until 1959. Civilian internee during World War II.

December 8, 1941

At 5:30 that morning Billy crashed my bedroom door to exclaim, “Pearl Harbor has been bombed!” Well, we just couldn’t believe it. I quickly dressed,

December 9, 1941

Was I ever glad to see the servants back on the job cleaning up this dusty house and getting things in order after yesterday’s whirlwind?

December 10, 1941

Radio says Aparri and Vigan invaded. Don Bell said air raid on Manila. Hear there is a big battle off N. Luzon. What hellish fear

December 11, 1941

Col. Horan came honking at dawn for the lumber trucks to take dynamite from Balatoc Mine to Tarlac and Bautista. Radio says REPULSE and PRINCE

December 12, 1941

Lumber trucks taking dynamite to Lingayen, Bautista, and Isabela to blow bridges and coast ways. Many alarms; afraid to take a bath—sure to get caught