08/13/2025
In 3 days James Bollich, Lone Survivor Bataan Death March of World War II will be turning 104.
I am exceptionally honored to share this request with you all. Let me introduce a veteran who served in World War 2 and is the last living survivor of the Bataan Death March in the Philippines. The Japanese captured about 76,000 US and Philippine soldiers. They were forced to march 65 miles over 2 weeks, and ultimately ended up at Camp O’Donnell. They were shot and starved, and if unable to keep up, were beaten and left to die. They went for days without food or water, and they were brutally tortured.
James was released on August 15, 1945, after 3.5 years as a Japanese POW. He weighed 90 pounds when released. He, along with most others, entered the US Military Hospitals for medical treatment for malnutrition and numerous diseases. When James returned home to Lafayette, Louisiana, he discovered that two of his brothers had been killed in the war – one in Europe and one in the Pacific. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Purple Heart of the United States.
He has written three books, including one for university freshmen studying geology, painting, woodcarving, is a bird watcher, and uses milkweed to assist the population growth of the Monarch Butterfly. He lives alone and has two grown children. James is the author of Bataan Death March. (Amazon)
It is an absolute honor to share such a patriot who has sacrificed so
much for all of us. James will be 104 years old on August 15, 2025, and I am requesting you, as fellow veterans, to consider sending James a birthday card. I am trying to get 104 cards sent to him by his birthday.
If you are so inclined, would you mind passing this information along to other veteran friends? Tell James about yourself and service – and thank Woodworking Community, Veterans, Battle Buddies, we are asking for your help.
PM me for his address and thank you.
