Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 13:23:27 GMT 8
My name is John Oliver. I recently completed the biography of John David Provoo, that may be of interest to members. He was the "gay Buddhist Sergeant" accused of treason for his actions after the fall of Corregidor. I came across your site searching information about Richard Sakakida, who was among the witnesses at Provoo's trial. My book," Nichijo: The Testimony of John Provoo", provides the reader with an alternate perspective about the hurried buildup of the American military in defense of Philippines, the outbreak of war, the siege of Corregidor, subsequent the surrender of Allied Forces and the fates of POW's. A student of Buddhism and a fluent speaker of Japanese, in the early days after capture, he was pressed into service as an interpreter by both the Japanese, and as often by his own commanders; to intercede where there was friction, and where miscommunication could easily be, and often was, fatal. This role earned him the gratitude of many, but the suspicions of many more. I don't believe that Provoo story has ever been completely told, or that forum members are even aware that much of what they know of him is embellishments of those rumors, and perjured testimony, orchestrated by Federal prosecutors for their 1953 New York show trial. I would appreciate hearing from some open-minded members after they have read the book. I have a small number of proof copies (with typos) that I will send free within the US to the first ten members that ask for it.
I hope this post doesn't cross the threshold of a commercial offering. My only connection to Corregidor and what happened there was my chance encounter with an old Buddhist priest in rural Hawaii in 1983, the narrative he shared with me, my research and the book that was the result of it all. I think members will find it valuable.
I hope this post doesn't cross the threshold of a commercial offering. My only connection to Corregidor and what happened there was my chance encounter with an old Buddhist priest in rural Hawaii in 1983, the narrative he shared with me, my research and the book that was the result of it all. I think members will find it valuable.