"The road began to climb very gently and soon, curved to our left. Now it became somewhat steeper and a hundred yards farther dead-ended into another road. Here we turned right and proceeded a hundred yards on a small road sloping downward, and turned right once more. After a couple of more turns I began to wonder if they were trying to lose us, but the column was now descending on a very narrow road which dropped sharply downward. Ahead I could now see a large expanse of concrete. On the far side of the vast apron of concrete I could see two large hanger-like structures. We were told  this was at one time a seaplane facility, and later converted to the 92nd Filipino Scout Motor Pool. Beyond the far side of the concrete tarmac, rows of tents came into view. The tents appeared to be squad tents, probably large enough for six or eight men. Could it be possible that we were going to reside in tents?"

"The column turned onto a road leading to the right, and downward, toward the south shore of Corregidor. Looking ahead, I saw a wide expanse of concrete down near the beach. On the far end, (east) I saw the  two large hangers. They were taking us down to the 92nd Garage area! I had gone full circle! I was going back to the very place where I had received my training! It struck me as almost ludicrous! I could make out men moving around on the wide concrete area, small groups already forming."

"If one can imagine, one small source of water for twelve to fourteen thousand men crammed into this incredibly small area! The line for water continued around the clock! Anytime during the day or night, you could walk out of your lean-to and see the endless line, waiting, seldom moving, just waiting. The clank of the aluminum canteens was always audible. Looking back, I almost cannot believe that we survived this period of time at 92nd Garage!"

Extracts from "Midst the Encircling Doom"
  Courtesy of Al McGrew
© 2002