Left Behind: When America Surrendered WW2

Jun 24 2024 61 ep. 35 mins 3

Left Behind: When America Surrendered WW2 Podcast artwork

Astounding real-life experiences of the people left behind after the Fall of The Philippines -- when America surrendered in early WW2. From the Bataan Death March to Japanese hell ship voyages to the Philippine Resistance, I research and share stories from this forgotten part of WW2 in the Pacific Theater. I’m your host, Anastasia Harman. I’m a researcher and writer turned podcaster ... on a mission to keep the legacies of these men and women alive. Heroes who gave their all, and all-too-often their lives, only to have largely been overlooked by history. Together, we’re going to change that. This is Left Behind.

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Chronicling the Lives of Each Defender

Jun 24 2024 32 mins

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the origins of Left Behind podcast and some of the people highlighted so far in the podcast’s first 60 episodes. This episode was originally given as a presentation at the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society and American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society co-conference in April 2024 in Houston, Texas. The presentation has b

Return from the Zero Ward

Jun 10 2024 48 mins

An inside look into the infamous “Zero Ward,” so named because POWs who went there had zero chance of returning. And one man’s relentless work to bring one of them home. Learn more about John Eakin’s work to bring Bud Kelder and other unidentified men home: Interview with Eakin (Left Behind episode 18) BataanMissing.com – A Resource for Families of All US MIA's You c

5 WW2 Servicemen to Remember this Memorial Day

May 24 2024 21 mins

In this special Memorial Day episode, we’re remembering 5 remarkable men who were Killed in Action, sacrificing their all to defend their country and The Philippine Islands during the early months of World War 2. Hear the full stories of the men highlighted in this episode: Capt. Colin Kelly -- pilot of first B-17 bomber downed in WW2 (episode #4) Lt. James Booher -- KIA at Bat

Cabanatuan’s First Escape

May 21 2024 33 mins

Four young American POWs attempted to escape from the Cabanatuan POW Camp. After being caught, they endured brutal punishment, forced to dig their graves, and executed by firing squad. But, by war’s end, their burial location couldn’t be found. Would their remains ever be located, and would their murderer be brought to justice? I mentioned the following episodes in toda

Reclaiming Our Heroes' Forgotten Stories

May 13 2024 33 mins

What if you could visit the Manila American Cemetery without leaving your home? Or walk the rows of in Normandy and discover each man's story? That's what the Memory Anchor Explorer app allows anyone, anywhere to do. Join me in an inspiring conversation with the apps co-founders to discover how they’re shaping the future of commemoration through technology. DOWNLOAD the Mem

Disgrace on Parade: The March to Cabanatuan

May 06 2024 34 mins

In late May 1942, American POWs captured on Corregidor endured a hellish train ride and march to Cabanatuan’s infamous POWs camps. Among them was Navy Ensign Whitman, who, weakened by malaria and lack of food and water, struggled to keep pace with the relentless march. Despite comrades' aid, Whitman's condition worsened. And as his strength waned, he collapsed, left by the roadsi

Amidst the Foxholes: A WW2 Reenactor’s Journey

Apr 29 2024 24 mins

WW2 reenactor Victor Verano brings history to life through immersive experiences. In this fun and informative interview, he'll share his experiences at large WW2 reenactments, encounters with WWII veterans, and exploration of battlefields. You'll really enjoy Victor's passion for living history, which enriches our understanding of the past. Here’s the link to Victor’s first L

Besieged: The Battle of Fort Frank

Apr 22 2024 36 mins

The fates of two servicemen – a career Army officer and a young medical doctor – intertwined during the harrowing siege at Fort Frank, a small island defense in Manila Bay. From the front lines to captivity at Cabanatuan POW Camp, they each battled disease, constant threats, and despair with unwavering resolve. Here are links to the other episodes mentioned in this episode: #

Remembering the Bataan Death March

Apr 08 2024 25 mins

82 years ago – April 9, 1942 – some 75,000 American and Filipino servicemen became POWs when Bataan peninsula fell to Japanese forces. With in days the overwhelming majority of them were forced onto the Bataan Death March. These are their stories. I mention the following men in this episode: Jim Gallagher – Sportswriter from Philly who died on the first day of the march

Bad Blood: When History Isn’t Pretty

Apr 01 2024 12 mins

Sometimes I encounter not-so-great things while researching family trees. I’ll let you in on the 7 ways I handle bad blood and family secrets -- with sensitivity and empathy -- in the stories I research for Left Behind. Here’s the link to Alma Salm’s episode (#50), which I mentioned in this episode.