Quote by the late United States Army Private Jacob J. Johler from Fort Mills, Corregidor, March 1941


Sunset image taken on a Gulf Beach in Florida

Sketch of United States Army Private Jacob J. Johler

Jacob Johler worked for the New York Central Railroad in the Freight Claims department. He was transferred to Albany, New York in the early sixties and remained there for approximately five years before returning to Buffalo, New York.

This is a photograph of my late father Jacob who was a very faithful man. I believe it was his faith and his perseverance that enabled him to survive thirty-nine months as a prisoner of the Japanese in World War II.
Serving in the Pacific Theatre, was sent to Corregidor Island in the Philippines in early 1941.
On December 2, 1941, was sent to Bataan as part of a searchlight Battery.
Resided in Buffalo, New York
Began in 59th Coast Artillery.
Transferred to 60th Coast Artillery.
Served on Bataan as part of searchlight Battery beginning December 2, 1941.
Battle of Bataan
Returned to Corregidor on day Bataan peninsula was surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942.
Was at Battery Way, Corregidor on May 6, 1942 when Corregidor was surrendered to the Japanese.
Interned at Bilibud Prison Camp and Cabanatuan POW Camp #3.
Transferred to Camp Hoten Prisoner of War Camp in Mukden Manchuria via the “Hellship” Tottori Maru.
Arrived at the camp on November 11, 1942, Armistice Day, after an approximately thirty day voyage.
Camp Hoten was liberated by Soviet troops in August of 1945 and by the grace of God Jacob returned to the United States and recovered at the Rhoad’s Army hospital in Utica, New York.
Written
on March 14, 2014