62 pages • 2 hours read
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission
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Book Brief
344
Book • Nonfiction
Philippines • 1940s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II’s Greatest Rescue Mission by Hampton Sides tells the story of a daring rescue raid on the Japanese-controlled Cabanatuan prisoner-of-war camp in the Philippines at the end of World War II. 121 US Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerillas successfully rescued over 500 remaining POWs on January 30, 1945. The book details the American POWs' loss at Bataan, their survival of the Bataan Death March, and their captivity at Cabanatuan, while simultaneously narrating the meticulous planning and execution of the rescue raid led by Colonel Henry Mucci and Captain Robert Prince.
Informative
Suspenseful
Emotional
Challenging
Dark
Reviews & Readership
45,225 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides is widely praised for its gripping narrative and meticulous research detailing the historical mission to rescue WWII POWs. Readers commend its vivid, engaging storytelling and emotional depth. Criticisms highlight occasional pacing issues and sparse character development. Overall, it's a compelling read that resonates deeply.
Who Should Read Ghost Soldiers?
Readers who enjoy gripping historical narratives, especially related to World War II, will find Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides captivating. Fans of Stephen E. Ambrose's Band of Brothers or Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken will appreciate this compelling tale of bravery and sacrifice during the Bataan Death March.
45,225 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Abie Abraham
Abie Abraham
A World War II veteran and survivor of the Bataan Death March, known for his firsthand accounts of his experiences as a POW.
Ralph Emerson Hibbs
Ralph Emerson Hibbs
A survivor of the Bataan Death March and Cabanatuan POW camp, who later documented his wartime experiences.
Masaharu Homma
Masaharu Homma
A Lieutenant General in the Japanese Imperial Forces who played a significant role during the battle for the Philippines in World War II.
Eduardo Joson
Eduardo Joson
A Filipino guerrilla leader recognized for his part in the raid to rescue POWs from the Cabanatuan camp.
Henry Mucci
Henry Mucci
An American colonel renowned for leading the mission to rescue POWs from Cabanatuan during World War II.
Juan Pajota
Juan Pajota
A Filipino guerrilla leader who aided in the successful rescue of POWs from Cabanatuan through his knowledge of local terrain and resistance efforts.
Claire Phillips
Claire Phillips
An American who used her position in a Manila nightclub to gather intelligence and support Allied POWs covertly during the Japanese occupation.
Robert Prince
Robert Prince
A US Army captain instrumental in the Cabanatuan POW camp raid, known for his leadership during the rescue mission.
344
Book • Nonfiction
Philippines • 1940s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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