Interview with William H. Gentry, July 31, 1985

Interview Summary

In this interview, William H. Gentry, who served with Company C 192nd Tank Battalion, discusses being taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese in the Philippines. He talks about his duties as communication officer, the bombing of Clark Field, shooting down enemy planes, and delaying action (fighting back toward Bataan). Gentry also discusses the ineffectiveness of Philippine troops, lack of defenses, and food and supplies at Bataan. Also provided are impressions of General Douglas MacArthur's withdrawal and a description of the Battle of the Big Pocket. Gentry talks about preparations for surrender, the surrender to the Japanese, being forced to march to Maverlous and Camp O'Donnell, and the brutality of Japanese soldiers. In addition his experiences at Cabanatuan and Devao, farming at Devao Penal Colony, and his assistance in helping ten Americans escape from Devao are also described. Impressions of Philippine people, camp life, liberation by American Rangers, medical treatment, and homecoming are also given.

Interview Keyword

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

Interview LC Subject

Gentry, William H. Gentry, William H.--Interviews World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Asia World War, 1939-1945--East Asia World War, 1939-1945.

Interview Rights

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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.