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Re: After 58 Years Former POW Receives Purple Heart

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: July 13, 2003

"Former POW receives Purple Heart after 58 years
By Jason Spencer

Staff Writer

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE - Days on end are missing from Clifford Vose's memory of being held as a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II. Most of the experience, though, he can recall all too well.

Vose spent 41 months incarcerated following the April 1942 surrender of more than 70,000 U.S. and Filipino troops at Baatan in the northern Philippines.

At the time, malaria ravaged his body. He was in and out of a coma for weeks, he says. Vose was transferred on foot and by train to a string of military hospitals before ending up at a prison camp in Cabatuan.

"On the train, I was too weak to get off," he said. "All I remember is some Jap putting his foot in my rear, and I got off."

Vose finished the war as a slave laborer in a copper mine. Injuries suffered at enemy hands earned him a Purple Heart - 58 years after his release.

The most difficult and immediate problem with the Bataan surrender - the largest such move in U.S. history - was feeding the already malnourished troops, said Brig. Gen. Rick Rosborg of the 4th Fighter Wing. Rosborg presented Vose with the "long overdue" Purple Heart Monday during a ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

The more fortunate Bataan prisoners were able to survive on about 1,000 calories a day - rice and occasionally fish. Horses or mules were slaughtered in rare instances for meat.

"The first time we got on a train, we got a box lunch," Vose said. "That was the only one we got."

Rosborg graphically described the infamous "Death March" most Bataan prisoners made to Camp O'Donnell. Amidst rampant malaria, troops were forced to march about 65 miles - up to 12 hours - daily.

Those who fell behind were slain. Some were buried alive, others pushed in front of moving vehicles. Rosborg cited one prisoner's account that marchers passed two decapitated heads each mile.

Vose was not part of the march itself. A U.S. Army medical officer, Vose enlisted while he was young and jobless. Becoming a soldier seemed like a good opportunity, he said. He was immediately shipped to the Philippines.

When Vose returned home, he weighed about 81 pounds. He remained in the Army until 1962, though. He finished out his career at Seymour Johnson.

Nearly 13,000 American prisoners of war died at Japanese hands.

U.S. Army infantryman Romie Gregory, a fellow prisoner of war, received a Purple Heart later Wednesday. His health prevented him from attending the morning ceremony.

"Those of you who have lost loved ones in all the wars, may God hold you in his arms," said U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C. Jones' office pushed for Vose's and Gregory's Purple Heart for nearly four years.

"One thing I found out about World War II vets, they didn't seem to be interested in medals," Jones said. "They came back and built communities. They only ask for medals when some family member says, We'd like to have your medals, grandfather,' or something like that."

Rosborg drew several parallels between World War II and today's War on Terror. Honoring veterans links today's troops with their military heritage, he said.

"They were members of a generation - an entire generation - that saved the world," Rosborg said. "In many ways, they set the stage for the freedom we enjoy today."

Vose, an 82-year-old New Hampshire native, says he forgives the Japanese for their treatment of prisoners during the war. But he still won't buy a Japanese vehicle.

"You've got to remember, Japan has a completely different culture," Vose said. "It was shameful to surrender, so as far as they were concerned, we were skunk. I forgive them. You can't hate someone forever."

Jason Spencer can be reached at (252) 527-3191, Ext. 237, or Jason_Spencer@link.freedom.com.
©Free Press, Kinston, NC"