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Bataan Memorial Death March. March 29, 2009. The History. The Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II heroes. These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.
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Bataan Memorial Death March March 29, 2009
The History • The Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II heroes. These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. • The conditions they encountered and the aftermath of the battle were unique. They fought in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half or quarter rations with little or no medical help. They fought with outdated equipment and virtually no air power. • On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. The Americans were Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines. Among those seized were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard. • They were marched for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.
The March • 26.2 miles in the Nevada desert at White Sands Missile Range • Different ways to complete the March • Running, lightweight, heavy weight. • There is also a shorter modified version of the course, which is only 15 miles.
Bataan Memorial Death March Official Rules • Division Eligibility • Non-military categories are open to anyone, whether you are in the military or civilian. If you are in the military but wish to enter a non-military category you may. • Military categories are only open to certain military ID card holders. Eligible cardholders include active duty military, Reserves, National Guard and retirees. Dependents may not enter military categories unless they themselves also fall into one of the previously mentioned groups. • ROTC/JROTC may enter in the non-military or their respective ROTC categories. • All individuals in a military category must comply with AR 670-1, "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia."
The Day of the March-What to expect that morning • Day of March - Sunday, March 29 2009 • Plan on arriving at White Sands Missile Range by 4:30 a.m. • It will be DARK when you arrive - consider packing a pen-light for the early morning hours. • Continental breakfast will be available starting at 4:30 a.m. • Marchers must report to the start area by 5:30 a.m. • Opening ceremony is at 6:30 a.m. • The march starts at 7 a.m. with marchers in the following order: • 1. AmpuTeam Soldiers2. Individual Light Categories 3. Team Light Categories4. Individual *Heavy Categories5. Team *Heavy Categories6. Honorary March Participants *It is suggested that marchers in the heavy categories leave their backpacks and rucksacks off until 10 minutes prior to departure as they will be the last out.
