Never Give Up

This is Drolan Chandler's personal story of his experiences during World War II. The book encompasses his childhood background, enlistment, basic training and assignment to Operation: PLUM in the Philippines. After the Japanese invaded the Philippines in December, 1941, he fought in frontline jungle combat until April 9, 1942, when the American generals surrendered. He endured horrific treatment, including the infamous Bataan Death March, Bilibid Prison, Camp O'Donnell and Cabanatuan POW camps, hell ship Clyde Maru transfer to Omuta, Japan, Camp 17, and slave labor in unsafe coal mines. Drolan's positive attitude, bulldog determination, and sense of humor often got him into trouble, but surely contributed to his survival, which will inspire and entertain readers.

'Never Give Up' is Drolan Chandler's personal story, as told to his niece, Myra Jones, of his combat and prisoner of war experiences during World War II - Pacific Theater. The story encompasses his childhood background, enlistment, basic training at Savannah Air Base in Georgia where he was assigned to duty in the USAF Headquarters Squadron 27th Bomb Group, Transportation Group, which was sent to Operation: PLUM, at Fort McKinley in the Philippines. After the Japanese invaded the Philippines during December, 1941, he fought in frontline jungle combat until April 9, 1942, when the American generals surrendered. He endured horrific treatment, including the infamous Bataan Death March, Bilibid Prison, Camp O'Donnell and Cabanatuan POW camps, hell ship Clyde Maru transfer to Omuta, Japan, Camp 17, and slave labor in unsafe coal mines and survived a number of cave-ins. His sheer will to survive through positive attitude, humor, and bulldog determination - which often got him into trouble with his captors and caused some humorous, as well as dangerous, situations - is sure to inspire and entertain readers. It will undoubtably stir patriotism in the hearts of readers who will come to comprehend the immense suffering and sacrifice our military men and women have made for their country and preservation of our freedoms.

Myra McDonald Goode Jones, a freelance writer who has been writing inspirational stories and articles since the 1980's, has been published in numerous magazines, with worldwide circulation. She was winner of a theme writing contest in the Good Housekeeping Magazine. This book is the result of curiosity about stories that her uncle, Drolan Chandler, a WWII POW, captivated family members with at reunion gatherings. They were amazing stories, sometimes shocking, hilarious or heartbreaking memories at the hands of Japanese captors. She knew the details must be preserved for future generations. Myra spent hundreds of hours interviewing, recording, researching, and traveling with her uncle to visit former comrades and a POW reunion. 'Never Give Up' became the compilation of his painful and intriguing stories. His story will serve as an inspiration to those who journey with him. Myra attended Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee, and UAB, Alabama. She worked full time at Southern Company Services, Jones True Value Hardware, Honeywell, Social Security Administration, and other places during her 40+ year work career. She currently lives in Clanton, Alabama, with her husband, Glenn. Both are retired and enjoy keeping up with seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson. Life is great! God is good! Note: Mrs. Jones welcomes speaking and/or booksigning engagements. Email her at myramjones@gmail.com with your information and phone number. Be sure to type in Subject area: Never Give Up - speaking/booksiging engagement opportunity. Thank you!