Bittersweet Reunion, Part 1 of 2
Wainwright and MacArthur, date unknown
“Drained of the confidence he had always shown”, journalist Clark Lee of the Associated Press noted when he saw Douglas MacArthur in March of 1942. Lee had no idea why, for the reason for MacArthur’s sadness was classified: he had just been ordered to evacuate the Philippine Islands. He was given the impression that a significant Allied force would soon very be gathered in Australia, to be placed under his command for a return to the Philippines. He was evacuated during the night of 11 March 1942, and made an emotional farewell to his right hand man and friend Jonathan Wainwright.
“Goodbye, Jonathan,” the general said, the choice of words reflecting his guilt for leaving his friend behind, for he rarely addresses anyone, especially not comrades in the Army, by the first name. “When I get back, if you’re still on Bataan, I’ll make you a lieutenant general”, he promised, perhaps hoping to lighten up the mood.
“I’ll be Bataan if I’m alive”, responded Wainwright, dutifully, ignoring the promise of promotion.
After MacArthur’s evacuation, the self-titled “battling bastards of Bataan” fought the defensive campaign on their own, completely cut-off from the outside. “No papa, no mama, no Uncle Sam”, they joked bitterly. These “bastards” fought until the first week of May, 1942. They were defeated militarily as well as spiritually. On 6 May, Wainwright formally surrendered to the Japanese.
As the Japanese escorted Wainwright to a prisoners of war camp, he wondered if his defeat was regarded with shame back home.
This two-part guest blog is written by C. Peter Chen. He is the Founder and Managing Editor of the World War II Database, and is also a staff member at the Imperial Japanese Navy Page.
Author Bio: World War II researcher and historian working to preserve history and educate future generations. A student of Military History working to author and collect as much data as possible on the WWII time period. 
