Interview with Glenn W. McDole, October 13, 1988

Interview Summary

Glenn W. McDole served with the 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion, Company D. He was captured by the Japanese at Fort Hughes and sent to Cabanatuan, where he saw prisoners being executed for trying to escape. He and a friend, Rufus Smith, volunteered to go on a work detail in Palawan, where both men narrowly escaped the Palawan Massacre. McDole describes the massacre, his escape across the bay, his encounter with friendly Filipinos, and his reunion with other escaped prisoners of war. He also discusses the war-crime trials of his captors, including "Smiley," the only guard to show him compassion. Finally, he mentions his recurring nightmares and his visits with Smith after the war.

Interview Keyword

military service experience War Veterans World War II World War II veterans

Interview LC Subject

Palawan Massacre, Philippines, 1944 Prisoners of war--Philippines Prisoners of war--United States World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Prisons and prisoners, Japanese

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.