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were in the air. I found out at least four people I knew had died in the night, they all were very good friends of mine. One day some Japanese officials came up to me and examined my body. They said I was in a good enough condition to go and work, I helped to build roads, bridges, and airfields. Even though I was starved, the Japanese still forced me to work, no matter what my condition was.

Sometime before the war ended, a rescue party was sent out to recapture those of us in the camps. To ensure that we would not get our freedom, the Japs sent us to Japan in the Hell Ships. In the vessels, holds were built to fit 400 men but 750 of us were crammed in. We only got one bucket to pee in. A lot of us had Dysentery and because of that, going to the bathroom was pretty nasty. I'll never forget this: while we were at sea, officials would poke their heads in and tell us to shake the man next to us. If they didn't respond then they were most likely dead. So the Japs hauled the dead to the deck and threw them overboard, making more room for those still alive.

Finally, the day came. February 4, 1945, 4 years after the war had started we were freed. The Americans had finally liberated the POWs. We were taken to the Ling Guan the Gulf. From there we arrived at a port with an American ship waiting to take us back home. As I was standing on the deck of the ship, looking out to the island, I prayed long and hard for the men who lost their lives in the Philippines. I hoped that they found peace, far away from the hardships we faced.

I know I will never forget those 4 years of my life. I hope no one......no one, man, woman, or child ever has to go through what I did. I pray to God that no one has to see the things that I saw. Those memories, however horrible they may be, will be forever etched into my mind. I am grateful for having the mentality to endure that torture.

3 years before, my best friend Rafe said we would win the war. He said that we will prevail. At last, I have lived to see the day he was talking about.

Learn more about this author, Kaitlen Yatsattie.
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