Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission

The Cabanatuan camp pushed the POWs to the extremes of human endurance and resilience. What methods did the prisoners use to survive their ordeal? How do their experiences compare to that of other POWs and their survival methods?

Consider the author’s narrative techniques in Ghost Soldiers. What techniques does he use to frame and tell the story? What sources does he draw upon? Are his techniques effective? Why or why not?

How did American and Japanese colonialism affect the relations between the Americans, Japanese, and Filipinos in the Philippines during World War II?

What were the key reasons for the Bataan Death March, in the author’s view? Could it have been prevented? Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not?

Analyze the role of camaraderie in Ghost Soldiers. What forms of camaraderie existed? How does camaraderie help to illustrate the text’s key ideas and/or themes?

How are the Filipino villagers and guerillas depicted in Ghost Soldiers? What are the strengths and limitations, if any, of this depiction?

Consider the depictions of leadership in Ghost Soldiers and compare at least two leaders featured in the book. What makes an effective leader? What makes a leader ineffective?

Research the Geneva Convention and post-WWII war crime trials. How do the trials of Japanese leaders compare to those of the Nazi leaders? What are the similarities and differences?