In September 1940, Jesse L. Miller, a twenty-year-old from Casper, Wyoming, entered the US Army Air Corps to pursue his chosen photography. For the next five years he experienced some of the most brutal treatment in modern warfare. His is truly a remarkable story. Miller’s book depicts his experiences in World War II, including the surprise attack on Clark Field in the Philippines, the Battle of Bataan, the Bataan Death March, O’Donnell’s Camp Hell, the Cabanatuan Prison Camp #1, Camp Bilibid, his transportation aboard one of Hell’s ships, and his enslavement in Japan; but it also represents his sermons where he talks about those horrendous experiences of imprisonment. Through all the pain and suffering, Miller’s faith was strengthened and, in some cases, he hoped to be with Him, his Lord, before the day was out. Miller felt that his life was spared for leading others to the words of Christ.

Of all the men, both Filipino and American, who surrendered at Bataan, 65% did not survive brutal imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. Unlike my uncle Charles Gregory, a member of Jesse Miller’s 20th Pursuit Squadron, 20th Pursuit Group, US Army Air Corps, Miller survived along with other friends of Charles, Ernest Loy, Nelson Quast and Winifred Agnes. Other friends of Charles Gregory and Jesse Miller also survived, including Jack Elkins, Ben Steele, Bob Mailheau and Sydney Stewart. These Air Corpsmen were part of only the 35% that survived. I think they were lucky to share those experiences with others. Some of them have written or have been written in various books, including, give us this day, tears in the dark, solveY captured honor.

The story of this author is remarkable and uplifting. His strong faith in Christ is extremely admirable. Miller suffered beatings, starvation, dysentery, beriberi, malaria, slavery, and humiliation, but through it all, he grew stronger and always realized that Christ had suffered far more than he had.

After Miller’s release and repatriation to the United States, the author returned to the Philippines to preach the gospel. He is truly a heroic and selfless believer. Also, in this book, there is a lot of first-hand artwork from Ben Steele, one of Miller’s fellow survivors. I highly recommend this book because it can be an anchor in the storm, especially in the storm, trials and tribulations that are experienced in today’s society! This book brings to mind the words of Romans 5:3-4 …but we also glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings patience; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope… prisoner of hope it is an inspiring read.