Book Review: Prisoner of Hope
In September 1940, Jesse L. Miller, a twenty-year-old from Casper, Wyoming, entered the US Army Air Corps to pursue his chosen photography. Over the next five years he experienced some of the most brutal treatment in modern warfare. His is truly a remarkable story. Miller’s book depicts his experiences in World War II, including the surprise attack at Clark Field in the Philippines, the Battle of Bataan, the Bataan Death March, Camp O’Donnell Hell, Cabanatuan Prison Camp #1, Camp Bilibid, his transportation aboard one of the hell ships, and his enslavement in Japan; but it also represents his sermons where he talks about those horrendous experiences of imprisonment. Through all the pain and suffering, Miller’s faith grew stronger, and in some cases, he expected to be with Him, his Lord, before the day was out. Miller felt that his life was spared to lead others to the words of Christ.
Of all the men, both Filipino and American, who surrendered on Bataan, 65% did not survive the brutal imprisonment by Imperial Japanese forces. Unlike my uncle Charles Gregory, a member of Jesse Miller’s 20th Pursuit Squadron, 20th Pursuit Group, US Army Air Corps, Miller survived along with other friends of Charles’s, Ernest Loy, Nelson Quast, and Winifred Agnes. . Other friends of Charles Gregory and Jesse Miller also survived, including Jack Elkins, Ben Steele, Bob Mailheau, and Sydney Stewart. These Air Corpsmen were part of only the 35% that survived. I think they were lucky enough to share those experiences with others. Some of them have written or been written in various books including, give us this day, tears in the dark, solveand captured honor.
This author’s story is remarkable and uplifting. His strong faith in Christ is extremely admirable. Miller suffered beatings, starvation, dysentery, beriberi, malaria, slavery and humiliation, but through it all, he grew stronger and always realized that Christ had suffered much more than he had.
After Miller’s release and repatriation to the United States, the author returned to the Philippines to preach the gospel. He is truly a heroic and selfless believer. Also, in this book, there is a great deal of firsthand artwork from Ben Steele, one of Miller’s fellow survivors. I highly recommend this book because it can be an anchor in the storm, especially the storm and trials and tribulations experienced in today’s society! This book brings to mind the words of Romans 5:3-4 …but we also glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings patience; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope… prisoner of hope is an inspiring read.