“The Fate of the Generals” by Jonathan Horn tells the true story of Gen. Jonathan Wainwright, the highest-ranking American POW of World War II. Wainwright, a gritty cavalryman from Montana, found himself in the Philippines in the early days of World War II. With the Japanese invading the islands after attacking Pearl Harbor, Wainwright became the top US commander in the Philippines after Douglas MacArthur received orders to flee. He stayed behind to share the fate of his men, ultimately surrendering to become the highest-ranking American prisoner of the Japanese.
The United States observes National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on April 9, the anniversary of the largest surrender of US forces in history. In December 1941, American and Filipino troops in the Philippines fought on until April 9, 1942, when nearly 80,000 men surrendered to the Japanese. Those who survived the terrors of the Bataan Death March endured new horrors as prisoners. Wainwright continued to struggle on the small island of Corregidor before ultimately surrendering to prevent a massacre by the Japanese.
During his time as a Japanese prisoner, Wainwright endured systematic starvation, beatings, and isolation from the outside world. He worried that the American people would never forgive him for his decision to surrender. After the war, Wainwright returned to America to a hero’s welcome and received the Medal of Honor. However, his story has been overshadowed by MacArthur’s return to the Philippines, and many Americans today are unfamiliar with his name.
Jonathan Horn hopes that Americans today will draw lessons from Wainwright’s story, including the need for military preparedness and the courage and sacrifice of prisoners of war. By telling Wainwright’s story using newly available personal papers, Horn aims to restore him to his proper place in history. “The Fate of the Generals” sheds light on Wainwright’s vow to stay with his men and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by him and his fellow prisoners of war.
In conclusion, Jonathan Horn’s book, “The Fate of the Generals,” brings to light the story of Gen. Jonathan Wainwright, the highest-ranking American POW of World War II. Wainwright’s decision to stay with his men in the Philippines and his subsequent struggles as a Japanese prisoner highlight the courage and sacrifice of prisoners of war. By sharing Wainwright’s story, Horn hopes to emphasize the need for military preparedness and ensure that Wainwright’s place in history is properly acknowledged.
