For Release: 2009-08-25 11:12:00
When the Empire of Japan launched an all-out assault on the Philippines, among the islands' defenders were 66 members of a Kentucky National Guard unit based in Harrodsburg. After months of intense fighting and years of brutal treatment as prisoners, only 37 of them would survive to tell their stories. Viewers hear their tales on Bataan: The Harrodsburg Tankers, airing Saturday, Sept. 12 at noon/11 a.m. CT on KET KY.Some 70,000 American and Filipino soldiers were forcibly marched 60 miles, through intense jungle heat, from the Bataan peninsula to a prison camp. Already weakened by severe ration shortages over the preceding months, they were denied food and water, and prisoners who lagged behind were executed. Thousands of men died on the week-long trek, which soon became known as the Bataan Death March.
Also on the Kentucky Channel, Kentucky World War II Veterans: In Their Own Words offers an overview of the World War II combat experiences of several local veterans. Included is the account of Robert L. Williams, of Independence, who parachuted behind enemy lines on D-Day. The program airs Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m./noon CT and Tuesday, Sept. 15 at noon/11 a.m. CT on KET KY.
The Kentucky Channel is a KET digital channel for, by and about Kentuckians. Viewers can receive the Kentucky Channel free over the air or check with their local cable or satellite provider. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.
Contact: Amanda Dawahare
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