Bataan Death March

The Bataan Death March took place in the Philippines in 1942 after the surrender of around 90,000 U.S. and Filipino forces to the Japanese. The death toll ranged from six thousand to elven thousand on the march. They died of starvation, dehydration, or were, murdered by the Japanese if they could not keep up. To comemorate the event, the United States Army White Sands Missle Range in New Mexico put on a 26.2 mile ruck march with the ruck weighing 35 pounds. Two other cadets and I were driven by our Major to New Mexico on 21 hour car ride. The march itself was GLORIOUS. On the tenth mile I begin to get blisters on my heels, so I had to stop and get them taped up. I told the other cadets to go and that I would finish when I would finish. The next 16.2 miles I had to stop three more times to get them fixed up. The fourth time, they had to cut away some skin and clean it with alcohol, that stung like crazy. After this I did finally finish with a time of 11 hours. It wasn't pretty, but I never quit, even though it was ever tempting at times. I am glad I did this, for it was an experience that I will never forget. I also have a new found appreciation for the people who suffered during the Bataan Death March and our veterens. Hooah.