A tale of daring and escape

I want to tell you a story about an escape from a Philippine prisoner of war camp.

Melvyn McCoy was a radio officer in 16th Naval District in the Philippines. On Christmas Day 1941, prior to Japanese attack, his unit evacuated to Corregidor and they held off the Japanese attackers until May. All together, 10,000 American and Philippine troops had to surrender due to lack of ammunition, food and supplies.

McCoy was sent to Bilibid prison camp. He would later say that the work detail was unbearable. He saw his work group of 300 reduced to 30 as 270 died.

McCoy was then transferred to Cabanatuan prison camp, where an additional 3,400 prisoners died. After 6 months, he was transferred to Davao Penal Colony. After several months there, McCoy began plotting an escape. He, along with nine others, began storing food.

On April 4, 1943, while going on a work detail, they slipped into the jungle. They were chased for five weeks and during that time, they contended with hunger, sickness, leeches, crocodiles and pure exhaustion.

However, they also encountered kindness, hospitality and help from the local Philippine population. They also hooked up with Philippine guerrilla forces who helped them send messages to Australia.

They were rescued by a submarine which took them to Australia where they were met by General Douglas MacArthur.

Roger Gregory is a Vietnam veteran and business owner in Priest River.