Last Word

Time: early morning of May 5, 1942. Place: the radio dugout on Corregidor. At his key a haggard radio operator taps out the last broken sentences of the most tragic chapter in U.S. military history: "They are not near yet. We are waiting for God only knows what.

How about a chocolate soda? . . .

"Not many. Not near yet. Lots of heavy fighting going on. We've only got about one hour twenty minutes before. . . .

"We may have to give up by noon. We don't know yet. They are throwing men and shells at us and we may not be able to stand it.

"We've got about 55 minutes and I feel sick at my stomach. . . . They are around now smashing rifles.

They bring in the wounded every minute. We will be waiting for you guys to help. . . .

"General Wainwright is a right guy and we are willing to go on for him. But shells were dropping all night, faster than hell. Damage terrible. Too much for guys to take.

Enemy heavy cross-shelling and bombing. They have got us all around and from the skies. . . .

"From here it looks like firing ceased on both sides. Men here all feeling bad because of terrific nervous strain. . . . Corregidor used to be a nice place, but it's haunted now. . . .

"Just made broadcast to Manila to arrange meeting for surrender.

Talk made by General [Lewis C.] Beebe. I can't say much. Can't think at all. I can hardly think. Say, I have 60 pesos you can have for this weekend. . . .

"The jig is up. Everyone is bawling like a baby. They are piling dead and wounded in our tunnel. Arm's weak from pounding key. Long hours, no rest, short rations, tired.

"I know now how a mouse feels.

Caught in a trap waiting for guys to come along and finish it up. Got a treat. Can pineapple. . . .

"My name Irving Strobing. Get this to my mother, Mrs. Minnie Strobing, 605 Barbey Street, Brook lyn, N.Y. They are to get along O.K. Get in touch with them as soon as possible. Message: My love to Pa, Joe, Sue, Mac, Garry, Joy and Paul. Also to all family and friends. God bless 'em all. Hope they be there when I come home.

Tell Joe wherever he is go give 'em hell for us. My love you all. God bless and keep you. Love.

"Sign my name and tell my mother how you heard from me."

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