Leo Arhutick, Author at The Philippine Diary Project

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

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

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

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.

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

December 25, 1941

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

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

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 12, 1942

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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