JAMES BOLLICH
LONE SURVIVOR BATAAN DEATH MARCH
WORLD WAR TWO
My name is Ray Branch and I am a resident of Homestead Hills, Winston Salem, NC. I am a US Army Korean War Veteran.
I am exceptionally honored to have a very close friend who served in World War 2 and is the last living survivor of the Bataan Death March in the Philippine Islands.
The Japanese captured about 76,000 US and Philippine solders. They were forced marched 65 miles over 2 weeks and ultimately to Camp O’Donnell. They were shot and starved and if unable to keep up – were beaten and left to die. They went for days without food or water for days and they were brutally tortured.
James was released on August 15, 1945 after 3.5 years as a Japanese POW. He weighed 90 pounds when released. He, along with most others entered US Military Hospitals for medical treatment for mal-nutrition and well as numerous diseases. When James returned home to Lafayette, Louisiana, he discovered that two of his brothers had been killed in the war – one in Europe and one if the Pacific. He is the recipient of several awards including the USA Purple Heart.
When James returned home, after marriage, he studied geology as LSU, received a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Queensland, Australia and later worked in the oil industry. He has written three books including one for university freshman studying geology, paints, carves, is a bird watcher and uses milk weed to assist the population growth of the Monarch Butterfly. He lives alone and has two grown children. James is author of “Bataan Death March.” (Amazon)
It is an absolute honor to know such a patriot who has sacrificed so much for all of us. James will be 104 years old on August 15, 2025 and I am requesting you, as fellow veterans to consider sending James a birthday card. I am trying to get 104 cards sent to him by his birthday.
James’ address is:
JAMES BOLLICH
128 Alabama Road
Lafayette, LA 70501
If you are so inclined, would you mind passing this information along to other veteran friends? Tell James about yourself and service – and thank him for his.
Ray Branch
DHS CLASS OF 1953
Man Trying to Get People To Send Birthday Cards to Soon to Be 104-Year-Old World War II Veteran
