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When the American forces in the Philippines surrendered in May 1942, a mining engineer named Wendell Fertig chose to take his chances in the jungle. What happened to him during nearly three years behind enemy lines is the amazing story that John Keats tells in They Fought Alone.
With the aid of a handful of Americans who also refused to surrender, Fertig led thousands of Filipinos in a seemingly hopeless war against the Japanese. They made bullets from curtain rods; telegraph wire from iron fence. They fought off sickness, despair and rebellion within their own forces. Their homemade communications were MacArthur's eyes and ears in the Philippines. When the Americans finally returned to Mindanao, they found Fertig virtually in control of one of the world's largest islands, commanding an army of 35,000 men, and bringing a measure of hope to a beleaguered people. John Keats, who also served in the Philippines, captures all the pain, brutality, and courage of this incredible drama. They Fought Alone is a testament to the ingenuity and sheer guts of an authentic American hero.
List of contents
Book One: Surrender / 3
Book Two: Decision / 75
Book Three: The Dragon's Teeth
Book Four: Harvest / 169
Book Five: Morgan / 263
Book Six: War / 315
Envoi / 433
Appendix / 447
About the author
John Keats was the author of fourteen nonfiction books, including bestsellers You Might As Well Live, the biography of Dorothy Parker, Howard Hughes, The Insolent Chariots, The Crack in the Picture Window, and Eminent Domain. His books have been translated into seven languages, and he authored hundreds of magazine articles. He was a professor emeritus of magazine writing in the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.
Summary
When the American forces in the Philippines surrendered in May 1942, a mining engineer named Wendell Fertig chose to take his chances in the jungle. What happened to him during nearly three years behind enemy lines is the amazing story that John Keats tells in They Fought Alone. With the aid of a handful of Americans who also refused to surrender, Fertig led thousands of Filipinos in a seemingly hopeless war against the Japanese. They made bullets from curtain rods; telegraph wire from iron fence. They fought off sickness, despair and rebellion within their own forces. Their homemade communications were MacArthur’s eyes and ears in the Philippines. When the Americans finally returned to Mindanao, they found Fertig virtually in control of one of the world’s largest islands, commanding an army of 35,000 men, and bringing a measure of hope to a beleaguered people.
John Keats, who also served in the Philippines, captures all the pain, brutality, and courage of this incredible drama. They Fought Alone is a testament to the ingenuity and sheer guts of an authentic American hero.
Foreword
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"This remarkable story of guerrilla fighting in the Philippines during World War II is a serious military book that is also an acutely perceptive study of human nature under almost unbearable stress. Taken at either level, it is absorbing reading. . . . More remarkable still, though it contains death, torture, and desolation, it bubbles with humor.” —S. L. A. Marshall, The New York Times Book Review
“A true and admirably researched account of an American hero who refused to accept defeat. His courage was incredible and his resourcefulness equally so. . . . I have read scores of books in this genre and Keats’ is one Of the best.” —Chicago Tribune
“An engrossing account about one of the most unusual heroes of World War II . . . reads like a novel but is based on fact...a remarkable addition to the Nation’s history of World War II, as well as being a tribute well deserved by a man.” —San Francisco Sunday Chronicle
“An inspiring story—one which proves, among other things, that Americans can, when necessary, fight a successful guerrilla war.” —New York World-Telegram and Sun
“A compelling and rewarding tale of endurance and character.” —Time
