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The Greatest POW Rescue of World War II: Scholastic Focus

John Dos Passos

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Published in Race Against Death: The Greatest POW Rescue Of World War II (Scholastic Focus)

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In the annals of World War II, the Raid at Cabanatuan stands as a shining example of courage, determination, and heroism. On January 30, 1945, a combined force of American and Filipino soldiers launched a daring raid on a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines, rescuing over 500 POWs.

Race Against Death: The Greatest POW Rescue of World War II (Scholastic Focus)

by Deborah Hopkinson

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Language	:	English
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The POWs at Cabanatuan had been subjected to horrific conditions for months. They were starved, beaten, and forced to work in the mines. Many were sick and dying. The raid was their only hope of escape.

The raiders faced overwhelming odds. The Japanese prison camp was heavily guarded, and the raiders were outnumbered. But they were determined to succeed. They fought their way through the Japanese defenses, and they reached the POWs.

The POWs were overjoyed to be rescued. They had given up hope of ever seeing freedom again. But thanks to the brave raiders, they were finally free.

The Raid at Cabanatuan was a major victory for the Allies. It showed the world that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail. It is a story that will inspire generations to come.

The Raid at Cabanatuan

The Raid at Cabanatuan was planned by Brigadier General Charles A. Willoughby, the intelligence officer for General Douglas MacArthur. Willoughby had learned of the appalling conditions at the Cabanatuan POW camp, and he was determined to rescue the prisoners.

Willoughby assembled a team of 120 American and Filipino soldiers for the raid. The team was led by Colonel Henry Mucci, a veteran of the Burma campaign.

The raiders left their base on January 28, 1945. They traveled through the jungle for two days, and they reached the Cabanatuan POW camp on January 30.

The raiders attacked the prison camp at dawn. They fought their way through the Japanese defenses, and they reached the POWs.

The POWs were overjoyed to be rescued. They had given up hope of ever seeing freedom again. But thanks to the brave raiders, they were finally free.

The raiders and the POWs made their way back to their base through the jungle. They were harassed by the Japanese along the way, but they eventually made it back safely.

The Aftermath of the Raid

The Raid at Cabanatuan was a major victory for the Allies. It showed the world that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail.

The raid was also a major propaganda victory for the Allies. It showed the world that the Japanese were not invincible. It also helped to boost the morale of the American people.

The Raid at Cabanatuan is a story that will inspire generations to come. It is a story of courage, determination, and heroism.