If you live in the USA, there is a documentary that will air on PBS on Memorial Day, Monday, at 7PM and you MUST see it! It is titled: "War Journal: The Incredible World War II Escape of Damon 'Rocky' Gause". In Georgia, it will be on Channel 8. (If you live elsewhere in the country, perhaps you can search and see if it is on a different time for you.)
UPDATE: Okay, I saw it and it was very well done. Also, if you missed it, look out for it, I am sure it will be repeated.)
It is based on the book, "The War Journal of Major Damon 'Rocky' Gause." Rocky Gause escaped from Bataan and Corregidor in World War II and along with a fellow soldier, William L. Osborne managed to commander a boat and made it all the way to Australia! How he did this is a story that you must know- I found a great account for you here. (His son, Rocky Gause Jr. published a book based on his father's journal in 1999.) Rocky Gause was a fellow Georgian and I found a piece on Athens Online news for you, you may read it just here. Also, if you are able to go to that link, you may read a comment at the end and it mentions Vernon Carter. Mr. Carter was a survivor of Pearl Harbor and was the step father of Damon Gause, Jr. (Sadly, Damon Gause Jr. died a few years ago.)
After briefly meeting his new born son in December of 1943, Major Damon Gause returned to duty and then died in a flying mission over Germany in March of 1944.
He is buried in the Cambridge American Cemetery in England.
Let me know if you are able to see this documentary tomorrow. I am very grateful that I noticed it in the listings. Also, search out the book too!
(Update: I watched the documentary and was most pleased to view it. It was a very good blend of both accounts of the men, Damon Gause and William Osborne (the other soldier with him on the boat to Australia). The book by William Osborne is "Voyage Into The Wind" and is one that will hopefully I will be able to read very shortly! You may read of Col. Osborne just here. (His final rank was Colonel. He was a Captain when Damon Gause met him and therefore outranked him but since Gause had more experience with boats by mutual agreement, Gause was in charge while on the boat, and Osborne gave the orders on land!)
I am thinking of my mother's first husband who died in Korea, Roy Hollifield. Remembering all who have died in the line of duty.
I too am remembering those who did not return home alive.
ReplyDeleteWe should remember them and honor them.
DeleteThat guy sounds like a badass. His story sounds like one filled with courage. I hope everyone who can see it gets to see the documentary.
ReplyDeleteIt is an amazing story and I found out that the other soldier with him wrote a book also, "Voyage Into The Wind". Both of them very strong men indeed!
DeleteI watched the Memorial Day Concert on PBS last evening and it was very moving. It's appropriate we have a day to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom and we owe so much to all those disable vets too. Their lives were changed for ever. Hope you have a Happy Memorial Day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you this day and every day, my friend!
DeletePrayers and thanks to the fallen.
ReplyDeleteWe should do more to honor them.
DeleteThese stories amaze me. My heart hurts for those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
ReplyDeleteTrouble is, a great many people don't care to know about these true stories.
DeleteDarn, I wish I had read your blog earlier! I hope they run it again. What heroes and what bravery. I hope you had a great day today and I hope we always honor those who gave us our freedoms at such a high price.
ReplyDeleteYes, look out for it! It was very well done.
DeleteI oppose war in any circumstances. How heartbreaking to lose loved-ones in the wars no matter how they were treated as heroes. We must learn from the voices of the past and sow the seeds of peace so that future people can harvest.
ReplyDeleteYoko
I should think that if you speak with any of the veterans of war that I have met, they would also wish for no more war and only peace in our world. However, we should most certainly treat our vets with respect and honor for performing their duty, many of them giving their lives doing so.
DeletePooh, I am only reading this now so I missed the documentary. Will keep an eye out for the repeat!!!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you ever get to see it, it is an extraordinary story and a true one.
DeleteSo many sad stories....Lest We Forget...
ReplyDeleteI met so many vets as a travel agent and they had lost so many of their buddies. We should remember them
ReplyDelete