\nLast evening I called and spoke with a dear old friend and my next-door neighbor from back in the day, Erling Jonassen of Duluth, Minnesota.<\/p>\n
\tA Norwegian Minnesotan, from Duluth, no less… Imagine that!<\/p>\n
\tErling is now 95 years old. He remains sharp of mind, in remarkable shape for his age, and as always, wonderful and interesting to talk with.<\/p>\n
\tHe was one of a handful of American soldiers who chose not to surrender to the Japanese (thus avoiding the Bataan Death March) during WWII when General Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines.<\/p>\n
\tErling spent the next several years of the Japanese occupation living in the jungles of the Philippines trying to avoid capture, among other things. Sick with malaria and dysentery, and although he could have left for the safety of Australia by submarine several times, Erling chose to remain in harm’s way, harrassing the enemy, coast watching and collecting and communicating information on troop movements, enemy ships and other intelligence needed for MacArthur to ultimately retake the Philippines successfully.<\/p>\n
\tFor the history buffs among us, these activities were part of the mission of the organization patched together by Colonel (and self-appointed General) Wendell Fertig during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.<\/p>\n
\tEnough of the history lesson. Those interested can read more here:<\/p>\n