I will be participating in the 24th Annual Bataan March along with Onate High School NJROTC Unit. If you would like to sponsor a cadet in this event, please contact me at tobeturpen@gmail.com or 575-621-1462.
In 1942, some of America’s first involvement in World War II took place in the Philippines. Fresh, brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.
These soldiers served our country in conditions less than fitting for humanity. They fought in malaria-infested areas, were given half, sometimes quarter rations and received little to no medical help. They also fought with old, out dated equipment and practically no air power.
On April 9, 1942, the harsh conditions got much worse for tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers when they were surrendered to Japanese forces. The Americans consisted of the Army, Army Air Corp, Navy and Marines. Also captured were the members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard.
Marching for days through the scorching heat of the Philippine jungles, thousands of the seized soldiers died in what came to be known as the Bataan Death March. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Meanwhile, others were wounded or killed when U.S. air and naval forces attacked unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan.
The Bataan Memorial Death March takes place every year in New Mexico to honor not only the brave New Mexico soldiers, but also the thousands of others who fought for their country in the Philippines.
The Course
Miles & Miles of Nothing but Desert
•From the start line (blue star at the south end of the map) the routes go counterclockwise.The numerically-marked (1-12) blue drops indicate the water points. The red stars indicate medical stations.
•The 15.2-mile route is essentially thelower portion of the 26.2 mile course.
•On the 26.2-mile course, the route proceeds northwest from Water Point 4/8, circling a small mountain known as Mineral Hill.Returning to Water Station 4/8, marchers travel south along the paved road covered earlier in the route.The course then veers west along dirt and sand trails, coming up the backside of the White Sands community and returning to the finish line.
