Leo Arhutick

(July 4, 1919 — July 29, 2009?). Corporal, 17th Pursuit Squadron, Nichols Field. P.O.W. in Japan, 1942-1945.

December 8, 1941

Without me knowing Japan declared war on the U. S. A. Hawaii was bombed. Over the radio on Monday morning at 6 – AM we

Dec. 10 – 41

December 10, 1941

At 11:40 A. M., Nichols was bombed and dive-bombed by the Japs. I’d just finished coming through the chow-line, when I heard planes diving. Our

Dec. 15 – 41

December 15, 1941

Been working practically day and night, and got the day off today. Went to Manila, overnight, and got tight and had a good time.

Dec. 24 – 41

December 24, 1941

Evacuated Nichols at 1 – AM today. Been driving the station-wagon all day. Nielson and Nichols destroyed by our own men, with all supplies. All

Dec. 25 – 41

December 25, 1941

All Christmas Day was spent in moving our stuff off the boat to our new camp. We had no Christmas dinner.

Dec. 26 – 41

December 26, 1941

Spent from noon till after midnight moving equipment to Del Pilar. I drove the truck for twelve hours straight, and when we made camp, I

Jan. 1 – 42

January 1, 1942

Working at Pillar [Pilar] Field. Ships going in and out, and were always watching for bombers.

Jan. 15 – 42

January 15, 1942

Moved back to Cabcabbin [Cabcaben] Field. Being bombed and strafed by the Japs everyday. No rest for the wicked.

Jan. 29 – 30 – 31 – 42

January 31, 1942

We’ve been turned into the 71st Infranty [Infantry]. Rifles and ammunition have been handed out to all the men. Its funny to be carrying a

Feb. 2 — 42

February 2, 1942

Going on three day rest today. Moving all our equipment with us, and the Filipino Army are taking over our position.

Feb. 4 — 42

February 4, 1942

We’re off again, with only two days rest. Supposed to be 50 Japs made a landing at Sasiam Lake. We packed up bag and baggage,

Feb. 5 — 42

February 5, 1942

We advanced our line at dawn. I was in the left flank. We advanced to within a kilometer of the beach, when we were ambushed

Feb. 6 — 42

February 6, 1942

Next morning, we had a sandwich, and coffee. Artillery from Corregidor opened upon the beach. At 2:30 we advanced again, only to be stopped. We

Feb. 7 — 42

February 7, 1942

Artillery again pounded the beach for hours. Meantime the 45th and 57th Filipino Scouts reinforced us. We advanced again, and at two pts we were

Feb. 8 — 42

February 8, 1942

We surrounded the Japs into two groups right down on the beach. We gave them a chance to surrender, but it was refused. My outfit

Feb. 15 — 42

February 15, 1942

Two air planes (Japs) came over early this afternoon and laid a smoke screen, which the trapped enemy came through. A lot of them broke

Feb. 24 — 42

February 24, 1942

After 19 days we finally cleaned that beach up. There were two thousand casualties there, of which one was a German N.C.O. and two Japanese

Feb. 28 — 42

February 28, 1942

After a few days in rest camp we went on beach duty back of Marveilles [Mariveles]. It was rough getting our supplies in there because

Mar. 15 — April 9, 1942

April 9, 1942

On March 15, 1942, three Japanese dive-bombers attacked Marveilles [Mariveles] Field. They flew right over our positions, and one of the men on a 3

April 9, 1942

The day of surrender. The first we knew of the surrender, was shortly after 2’oclock. We received orders to:destroy our guns and positions, which we

April 10, 1942

We were told to march to Sen Fernando, some 120 k. away. That trip is a nightmare. I started out with the rest of the

April 11-12, 1942

April 12, 1942

Had my milk all drank up in two days time. Made up to K. 129. Water was hard to get.

April 13-14, 1942

April 14, 1942

I just got through Cabcabaun [Cabcaben], when Corregidor opened fire on the Japanese there. Some of our own men where killed there in the artillery

April 15, 1942

Marched from K. 111 to K. 81, and got same sugar cane. One fellow was shot. Received food from the Filipinos.

April 16, 1942

Finally arrived at San Fernando. My feet were sore. Shoes all worn out, and I was so weak, I couldn’t have gone much farther. It

April 19, 1942

Left Sen Fernando at 9 o’clock this morning, by train. On our way to Conception, Tarlac, where Camp O’Donnell was at. At all the stations,

April 20 ,1942

April 20, 1942

We’re put into companies, and bedded dow in old bamboo barracks, full of lice and bugs. Fed sweet potatoes, and margerine, three times a day.

May 13, 1942

Left on truck driving detail today. Before I left, I won 475 pesos and a 15 jewel Hamilton wrist watch. All I had left, when