Luzon

This review is for the Mutual Publishing softcover edition published in October 1997, 493 pages. The protagonist in LUZON, Lt. Charles Chaffee, is based on the experiences of the coauthor Malcolm Champlin during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941 and the fight for Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. Many characters are ranking military persons and politicians identified by their real names. Most of the remaining characters and events appear to be the recollections of those who survived the horrors. The places and dates of military battles are factual, and I presume the battle statistics are from military records. This is the story of the brutal defeat and death of thousands of American soldiers, and many more thousands of Philippine soldiers, and the plunder and rape of Luzon by the Japanese. Most of this novel is history; do not expect intricate plot twists or surprises. The writing in LUZON tends towards a journalistic documentary with the voice of someone who was there, someone who saw the green crap in the trenches and maggot infested bodies, and the atrocities. To carry the reader through this horror, there is a love story, a thread of hope.

After graduation from the Naval Academy, Champlin (Academy nickname "Micky") served in two ships, the battleship TEXAS and the oil tanker BRA- ZOS. The transfer to BRAZOS came upon the information of Champlin's intention to resign. With eyes not the best and a love for the law, Champ resigned and began the study of law. And so, he completed law school, obtaining the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence, and got a job in a big law office. There was one problem. His starting pay was $100.00 per month and living expenses $105.00 per month. - Then he learned the FBI paid the magnificent wage of $275.00 per month. He applied, was investigated and accepted.. Knowing the San Francisco Bay area intimately, he was sent to Baltimore, Maryland. At least it was a seaport and his work was substantial- ly with ships and the sea. It couldn't last. With that Reserve commission on the books, came a sudden change. In July 1941 he was ordered to active duty as Aide to the Commandant of the Sixteenth Naval District at Cavite Navy Yard, Manila, Philippine Islands. In an unusual twist of fate, Micky, who opted for a civilian law career after a year or so of sea duty, found himself in the very thickest of fighting in WW II long before most of his classmates who remained in the service had come near their baptism of fire. After a few moQths at Cavite Navy Yard came De- cember 10, 1941 and the total destruction of the Navy Yard by massive Japanese bombing virtually unopposed. There were over 500 killed in the first 40 minutes. Then burning of all petroleum products tn Manila on Christmas Day 1941. Then Bataan, the motor torpedo boats, Corregidor, the submarine operations, etc. etc. Most important was the total abandonment of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor. Then came orders to Australia in the submarine USS PERMIT and 37 hours of depth charge attacks enroute. The Navy Cross (destruction of oil in Manila! after departure of all u.s. forces-it burned 3-1/2 days) and the Army Silver Star (reconnaissance at and be- hind enemy lines while attached as Aide to General Wainwright) were awarded to Champlin. This part of Champlin's life is covered in "Corregidor the End of the line" by Eric Morris and "Hero of Bataan,. Gen- eral Jonathan Wainwright" by Duane Schultz. After the war, Champ returned to the practice of law in Oakland, Catifornia. His outstanding record of 20 years before the bench resulted in his being appointed by Governor Reagan to the Municipal Court, Oakland-Piedmont Judicial District, September 21, 1967. On November 3, 1970, he was then elected by the people, without opposition, to that office. In 1974 Judge Champlin was unanimously elected by his fellow judges, and served, as Presiding Judge of that Court. On November 2, 1976, he was again elected by the people, without opposition, to the office of Judge of the Municipal Court. After more than 20 years in the practice of law in Oakland and 13 years on the bench, Judge Champlin retired September 30,

Fabulously written, authentic to the core, really first-class novel!

One of the best, authentic to the core, great writing, characters, you're really "there"...FABULOUS! Sidenote: Kudos to the smart Hawaiian publisher that brought this book out, I can't believe some "major" NY publisher missed this book...and what a terrific mass market paperback this was born to be. What idiots!

As a historian, I enjoy reading historical novels. In "Luzon" Steven Goldsberry has done a terrific job in utilizing Malcolm Champlin's first-hand knowledge in the creation of this exciting story. A friend recently brought back pictures from his trip to Luzon, and I felt like I had already been their. This book was hard to put down. I highly recommend this to anyone who truly appreciates accuracy in their historical novels.