'Caged Dragons' by Robert E. Haney
Mar 4, 2021 6:47:21 GMT 8
EXO, Karl Welteke, and 1 more like this
Post by beirutvet on Mar 4, 2021 6:47:21 GMT 8
'Caged Dragons' by Robert E. Haney
This book more than any inspired me to lobby EXO to put a recommended reading section in our site.
It is, yet again, another story of a young man who spent almost the entire war as a prisoner of Japan. But this one goes much further than most I have read. Here is a China Marine who arrived in the Philippines just days before the war started. He will eventually be posted manning a machine gun in beach defense on Caballo island, Fort Hughes and will be forced to surrender without ever firing a shot.
He speaks of a critical lack of leadership in what he saw of the overall situation. In the end he asks a series of questions about the U.S. army in general and General MacArthur in particular that have yet to be answered. He tells an all too familiar tale of life in the camps after the surrender. Mr. Haney relates many of the medical problems that afflicted everyone and specifically the ones that affected him. He was so sick during his Hell Ship voyage that he does not remember eating or drinking anything for the entire 17 day voyage. He believes he repressed it but is sure that his revulsion of contaminated food is a direct result of that trip.
But then he tells in detail about his experiences after release and his symptoms of what we have now come to know as PTSD. I have yet to see this kind of detail in most accounts of events.
He spoke of a time when he went into a mess hall and immediately ran out in a panic when he could not decide which hook to use to hang up his hat. For years all decisions were made for him and he panicked at the thought of making a decision. Then was furious with himself for not being able to decide.
He goes into great detail about not only his physical ramifications of his tortured imprisonment but the psychological toll it took.
In Part III Aftermath, There is a quote that has stuck with me. It goes; If life goes on after a momentous happening, especially if it is a traumatic one, there is a second harvest. It can be either positive or negative, and is likely to be both." The impact of that statement is driven home as you are reading his story. After never discussing any of this time in his life with his family, he offers this book as sort of an explanation to them of his many quirks. Such as when they would go on a trip that would last just that day, he would pack enough food for 3 to 4 days. He also mentioned that because of their ordeal, many survivors found themselves drawn to careers or hobbies that would revolve around producing food. Mostly long lasting and protein high foods. In his case, growing almonds.
I bought this book used, as is my pattern. Not just to save money but of course that is a nice benefit. No, I buy them for the gems they sometimes provide. This book happens to be dedicated by the author. It reads: To Tom Curtis, Best wishes! Robert E. Haney 2-29-'92. Included in the book are several newspaper articles about Robert's book signing complete with several pictures of a 70 year old Bob Haney.
The dedication is not to me, but it is by his own hand. For that reason alone I will always cherish this book.
* * * * *
Highly recommended
This book more than any inspired me to lobby EXO to put a recommended reading section in our site.
It is, yet again, another story of a young man who spent almost the entire war as a prisoner of Japan. But this one goes much further than most I have read. Here is a China Marine who arrived in the Philippines just days before the war started. He will eventually be posted manning a machine gun in beach defense on Caballo island, Fort Hughes and will be forced to surrender without ever firing a shot.
He speaks of a critical lack of leadership in what he saw of the overall situation. In the end he asks a series of questions about the U.S. army in general and General MacArthur in particular that have yet to be answered. He tells an all too familiar tale of life in the camps after the surrender. Mr. Haney relates many of the medical problems that afflicted everyone and specifically the ones that affected him. He was so sick during his Hell Ship voyage that he does not remember eating or drinking anything for the entire 17 day voyage. He believes he repressed it but is sure that his revulsion of contaminated food is a direct result of that trip.
But then he tells in detail about his experiences after release and his symptoms of what we have now come to know as PTSD. I have yet to see this kind of detail in most accounts of events.
He spoke of a time when he went into a mess hall and immediately ran out in a panic when he could not decide which hook to use to hang up his hat. For years all decisions were made for him and he panicked at the thought of making a decision. Then was furious with himself for not being able to decide.
He goes into great detail about not only his physical ramifications of his tortured imprisonment but the psychological toll it took.
In Part III Aftermath, There is a quote that has stuck with me. It goes; If life goes on after a momentous happening, especially if it is a traumatic one, there is a second harvest. It can be either positive or negative, and is likely to be both." The impact of that statement is driven home as you are reading his story. After never discussing any of this time in his life with his family, he offers this book as sort of an explanation to them of his many quirks. Such as when they would go on a trip that would last just that day, he would pack enough food for 3 to 4 days. He also mentioned that because of their ordeal, many survivors found themselves drawn to careers or hobbies that would revolve around producing food. Mostly long lasting and protein high foods. In his case, growing almonds.
I bought this book used, as is my pattern. Not just to save money but of course that is a nice benefit. No, I buy them for the gems they sometimes provide. This book happens to be dedicated by the author. It reads: To Tom Curtis, Best wishes! Robert E. Haney 2-29-'92. Included in the book are several newspaper articles about Robert's book signing complete with several pictures of a 70 year old Bob Haney.
The dedication is not to me, but it is by his own hand. For that reason alone I will always cherish this book.
* * * * *
Highly recommended