My grandfather was a Filipino Scout...we are still uncertain how he passed, or if he had to suffer that long death march from Bataan or fell in Corregidor. You are still in our hearts, Rest In Peace Marcelino Bañados!
I have a grainy old picture of some Filipino scouts in a small boat that they would quietly make it out to my father's ship in order to give information on location and troop strength of the Japanese on the many islands. Very brave people.
@@richtomlinson7090 do you know the area the picture was taken? My grandfather was also a Philippine Scout that was captured, survived the death March POW thar escaped and brought others with him US/P.Scouts. There’s a story of it on my channel here. Would you happen to know if the picture was in the pampanga area?
@@SoldierHard my father has passed and I don't know where each picture was taken, but they would often talk with the people of the Philippines whether they were scouts or other types of resistance fighters. Brave people taking great risks for their islands.
Wow this Mr Heer was a super communicator and to think he was close to 90 years old. His memory would be as strong or stronger than men in their 40's. He was a very honorable man and I am sure extremely well respected his whole life
Mr Heer is most impressive, and inspiring, man. I admire his balanced and nuanced judgement of Japanese behaviour, and his matter of fact attitude towards his remarkable experiences.
My grandfather from my father side is a USAFFE and a Bataan Death March Survivor. He almost died from incarceration from sickness and malnutrition. He was released in 1942 and immediately upon arriving in his hometown in Pangasinan he joined the local guerillas there. His name is Pedro Olegario. I don't know was unit or outfit he belong.
Your memory is so sharp still sharp to the point that you still remember the names of the Japanese towns and villages that you went as a POW and you didn't harbor vengeance toward the Japanese civilians even assuring them that you didn't mean no harm barely a month after the Japanese surrender and on top of that giving them sharing them food and soap at that! May Lord Christ bless your kind soul Sir.
@@edwardtasi2905 yes, he was. I never got to see him much since he and my grandmother lived in Washington. She still lives there, but he passed away before I made the original comment.
I can listen these stories over and over, I find his story to be very similar to family friends that served in the Philippines, and also after the peace they would get to know some Japanese people over dinner and several visits, they all say the same thing as this gentleman. My late father participated in a dozen amphibious assaults throughout the Philippines and Borneo as a radar Officer on a fast attack personnel destroyer or APD.
God bless you my father was in the battan too. You are so fortunate to be talking to us today and thankyou for letting us not forget.. God rest my fathers soul. I am the child of a child of a defenseless soldier such as yourself. I am uncontrollably crying while I listen to this. I do not know much other than I do know as an American. I am a child of a prisoner of war, whom was forgotten and left behind. I remember when I asked my father what is that on your back daddy. ( it was a long bayonet scar) I did not know? You men are all the freedoms that we as Americans have today. God bless you. My father was a sergeant and reporter.
Absolutely fascinating to listen to. I was amazed at his recollection of detail and his kind-heartedness -- something you don't see too often in Pacific veterans who experienced the worst.
I was so mad after reading some japanese tweet about denying Bataan ever happened. They claim Americans killed phillipinos and blame japanese for it. Which is just ridiculous.
As I sit here and listen to the horrors these soldiers & citizens faced on the Bataan Death March and the death camps they were in;It sounds extremely tragic and awful.Those horrors that lasted some 3 to 7 would break even the most battle hardened Marines.-Now add 270+ years to that and that's what my Apache People & African Slaves were dealt at the hands of colonists in the Americas BLACK LIVES MATTER
I cry every time I read about the suffering of these men. Heroes ALL!!!!
Who is to blames Hirohito n his generals who are d decisions makers with regards to war
My grandfather was a Filipino Scout...we are still uncertain how he passed, or if he had to suffer that long death march from Bataan or fell in Corregidor. You are still in our hearts, Rest In Peace Marcelino Bañados!
I have a grainy old picture of some Filipino scouts in a small boat that they would quietly make it out to my father's ship in order to give information on location and troop strength of the Japanese on the many islands.
Very brave people.
RIP to him! 🙏🏽🇵🇭
@@richtomlinson7090 do you know the area the picture was taken? My grandfather was also a Philippine Scout that was captured, survived the death March POW thar escaped and brought others with him US/P.Scouts. There’s a story of it on my channel here.
Would you happen to know if the picture was in the pampanga area?
@@SoldierHard my father has passed and I don't know where each picture was taken, but they would often talk with the people of the Philippines whether they were scouts or other types of resistance fighters.
Brave people taking great risks for their islands.
@@richtomlinson7090 May he Rest In Peace! Thank you sir 🙏🏽
Wow this Mr Heer was a super communicator and to think he was close to 90 years old. His memory would be as strong or stronger than men in their 40's. He was a very honorable man and I am sure extremely well respected his whole life
Mr Heer is most impressive, and inspiring, man. I admire his balanced and nuanced judgement of Japanese behaviour, and his matter of fact attitude towards his remarkable experiences.
My grandfather from my father side is a USAFFE and a Bataan Death March Survivor. He almost died from incarceration from sickness and malnutrition. He was released in 1942 and immediately upon arriving in his hometown in Pangasinan he joined the local guerillas there. His name is Pedro Olegario. I don't know was unit or outfit he belong.
reply above..
Even me ill joined
Your memory is so sharp still sharp to the point that you still remember the names of the Japanese towns and villages that you went as a POW and you didn't harbor vengeance toward the Japanese civilians even assuring them that you didn't mean no harm barely a month after the Japanese surrender and on top of that giving them sharing them food and soap at that! May Lord Christ bless your kind soul Sir.
reply above..
You define everything good about what an American is, thank you for your selfless service!
Thank you for your service, grandpa Bobby. Be seeing you again soon
He is your grandfather?
@@edwardtasi2905 yes, he was. I never got to see him much since he and my grandmother lived in Washington. She still lives there, but he passed away before I made the original comment.
I think we just witnessed a true saint what a pleasure to here that mans story🤠👍😇
Thanks for posting. Amazing that his family served because they loved him so much!
Yes, I was struck by that, too
I can listen these stories over and over, I find his story to be very similar to family friends that served in the Philippines, and also after the peace they would get to know some Japanese people over dinner and several visits, they all say the same thing as this gentleman.
My late father participated in a dozen amphibious assaults throughout the Philippines and Borneo as a radar Officer on a fast attack personnel destroyer or APD.
What a powerful video I just watched …what a remarkable man and soldier…
God bless you my father was in the battan too. You are so fortunate to be talking to us today and thankyou for letting us not forget.. God rest my fathers soul. I am the child of a child of a defenseless soldier such as yourself. I am uncontrollably crying while I listen to this. I do not know much other than I do know as an American. I am a child of a prisoner of war, whom was forgotten and left behind. I remember when I asked my father what is that on your back daddy. ( it was a long bayonet scar) I did not know? You men are all the freedoms that we as Americans have today. God bless you. My father was a sergeant and reporter.
Your goodness and wisdom kept you sane in the middle of all the sadism and insanity around you. I bow to you, Sir.
I enjoyed this interview very much.What a very good memory this man has.LWM
His warmth really comes through. My grandfather was in the Bataan death march and this was really good to watch.
I applaud his memory. So many familiar places he mentioned
Worked with Bob ,heard that he was part of the bataan march. Interesting fella.
What a wonderful storyteller and history lesson. Hope this is saved in WW2 archives for future generations to watch. So inspiring.
He’s sharper than most adults I know.
Absolutely fascinating to listen to. I was amazed at his recollection of detail and his kind-heartedness -- something you don't see too often in Pacific veterans who experienced the worst.
Awesome video, thank you, God Bless all those men...
Thank you for posting this, I really enjoyed this interview. My grandpa Macedonio Leyba whom was also a survivor never really spoke about this.
reply above..
Dapat sabihin mo sa lolo mo lo paki kwento po nga ninyo iyong naging buhay ninyo noong panahon ng giyera sa mga hapon ganoon
Dad and his brother were there. His brother died on the Boat ride. Dad came home but suffered terribly PTSD.
Wow what a man and what a memory
Bless your grandfather and all of the Philippine Scouts. Good. good people
Sharp mind. Thank- you sir .
He’s a good storyteller!
amazing story
Sir, your version is priceless!
****VETERAN ROYAL SCOTS** WITHOUT AMERICA BRITAIN WOULD HAVE LOST THE WAR..MUCH THANKS FROM MY HEART TO ALL AMERICAN AND ALLIED FORCES ****
I was so mad after reading some japanese tweet about denying Bataan ever happened. They claim Americans killed phillipinos and blame japanese for it. Which is just ridiculous.
He had it easy compared to most American and phillapinos p.o.w.s.More died than came home,who were tortured,starved,beaten to death,and hanged!
It's difficult not to hate the WW2 Japanese for what they did to American and Filipino POWs. I get so angry every time I watch videos like this. 😠
As I sit here and listen to the horrors these soldiers & citizens faced on the Bataan Death March and the death camps they were in;It sounds extremely tragic and awful.Those horrors that lasted some 3 to 7 would break even the most battle hardened Marines.-Now add 270+ years to that and that's what my Apache People & African Slaves were dealt at the hands of colonists in the Americas BLACK LIVES MATTER
reply above...
Apo lakay our former president Ferdinand marcos Sr. Survive to escape the death march