[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SAMUEL B. MOODY BATAAN DEATH MARCH ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation in the name 
of a special and dear friend who valiantly served in World War II and 
survived the treacherous Bataan Death March. The ``Samuel B. Moody 
Bataan Death March Compensation Act'' would provide compensation to 
those individuals who were forced to partake and held imprisoned 
following the ruthless procession.
  Last year, Sam Moody passed away in Central Florida. I first met Sam 
in my civic activities in central Florida some years ago. However, I 
never really knew much about his background until some years ago when I 
invited Sam and several other veteran leaders to a small luncheon 
gathering.
  As we sat together, I asked each of the veterans to relate some of 
their military service recollections after lunch to our group. Sam 
Moody started off rather hesitantly but he began telling an incredible 
story.
  In 1942, American and Filipino troops fought bravely against the 
Japanese army during the Second World War on the Bataan Peninsula in 
the Philippines. Due to the low supplies and no hope of reinforcements, 
these men fought valiantly until they were forced to surrender to the 
enemy.
  Within six days, the troops were corralled in the Mariveles, just 
south of Bataan. Little did they know, they were in for the journey of 
their lives--the Bataan Death March. In April of 1942 they began their 
march from Mariveles to their yet unknown destination of San Fernando--
more than 60 miles away. The tropical temperatures in the Philippines 
during this season were excruciating, many men dying from dehydration 
and some from exhaustion. Treatment by their Japanese captors was 
brutal and often fatal as those who could not continue marching were 
summarily beaten or executed on the spot.
  Many marchers attempted to escape into the jungles and some 
succeeded, however, most were forced to continue on their journey. Once 
they reached the railroad sidings, the troops were crammed into 
railroad cars like cattle. They continued to feel the torture of the 
tropical sun and their 30 mile train journey took close to 4 hours with 
long stops at various points.
  After reaching camp O'Donnel in the jungles of Arlac Province, these 
soldiers were held as prisoners of war for over 3\1/2\ years.
  Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the ``Samuel B. Moody Bataan Death March 
Compensation Act'' is to illustrate that while food and clothing 
allowances existed for our soldiers the United States failed to pay 
these benefits to the Bataan Death March survivors during their time 
spent in captivity.
  In fact, those who survived to see their liberation in 1945 also did 
not receive the promotions or pay grade increases given to their 
counterparts who were not held as POWs. Pay increases and benefits were 
a standard part of military service, however, these brave individuals 
have yet to receive their lost payment.
  In an effort to give these brave men their just benefits, I am 
introducing this legislation to compensate those survivors who were 
held captive after the Bataan Death March with their earned pay and 
benefits.
  I would like to invite each member of this body to join me in this 
effort by cosponsoring this legislation. For those who gave so much in 
service to our Nation deserve to be duly compensated for their 
sacrifice and valor.

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