Lost In Shangri-La - Part 17
Library

Part 17

12: WIMAYUK WANDIK, AKA "CHIEF PETE"

128 The native men: Helenma and Tomas Wandik, interviews.128 tasted human flesh: Helenma Wandik confirmed that his people ate the hands of enemies killed in battle in an interview with the author. Cannibalism among the valley people is discussed in numerous anthropological research papers, but perhaps the most vivid description is found in Hitt, Cannibal Valley Cannibal Valley, pp. 12029.128 themselves, their allies, and their enemies: Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson, First Contact: New Guinea's Highlanders Encounter the Outside World First Contact: New Guinea's Highlanders Encounter the Outside World (New York: Viking Penguin, 1987), p. 36. (New York: Viking Penguin, 1987), p. 36.129 come into contact with the Archbold expedition: Helenma and Tomas Wandik, interviews.130 "matched a whole army": Hilton, Lost Horizon Lost Horizon, p. 157.130 Albert Einstein: This famous quote has many forms. The one used here is commonly accepted, though another frequently cited version is: "I do not know how the Third World War will be fought, but I can tell you what they will use in the Fourth-rocks!" See Alice Calaprice, The New Quotable Einstein The New Quotable Einstein (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2005), p. 173. (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2005), p. 173.130 a native stew: Hastings, SLD, part 8: "If I was going to end up in a jungle stew-pot, the natives would have to come and get me."130 "We haven't any weapon": Hastings, SLD, part 7.130 McCollom watched: John McCollom, interview, October 1997.131 more like one hundred: Hastings, SLD, part 8. Except where otherwise noted, the account of the first meeting between the natives and the survivors, including dialogue, comes from this portion of the SLD.131 "feed us before they kill us": Robert Pearman, "Three Who Lived to Tell About It," Milwaukee Journal Milwaukee Journal, December 22, 1961, p. 16.131 He was wiry and alert: Photograph of the native the survivors called "Pete," courtesy of Betty McCollom.132 meet him halfway: In his interview with Robert Gardner, McCollom described the scene of the two of them on the log. In SLD, Margaret Hastings tells the story slightly differently, with the natives coming across the log to meet the survivors in the clearing. In other respects, their accounts agree.132 McCollom reached out: John McCollom, interview, October 1997. In her SLD, Margaret Hastings credited the native leader with extending his hand, after which McCollom, "weak with relief, grabbed it and wrung it."133 a college cla.s.smate: John McCollom, interviews, October 1997 and May 13, 1998.133 Wimayuk Wandik: The native the survivors called "Pete" was identified as Wimayuk Wandik by his son, Helenma Wandik, on February 1, 2010, from a photograph taken by C. Earl Walter Jr. This identification was subsequently confirmed by Wimayuk Wandik's niece and nephew, Yunggukwe and Tomas Wandik.134 He and his fellow villagers were traders: Helenma Wandik, interview.135 "Pete and his boys": Hastings, SLD, part 9.135 a terrible smell: Helenma and Tomas Wandik, interviews.136 bit into the stalk: Ibid.136 "The native who had the garden": John McCollom, interview, October 1997.138 bright blue eyes: Helenma and Tomas Wandik, interviews.138 "loved Pete and his followers": Hastings, SLD, part 9.139 might dislodge ... his etai-eken etai-eken: This discussion of the "seeds of singing" and the treatment of wounds relies largely on Gardner and Heider, Gardens of War Gardens of War, pp. 88, 14041. This treatment of wounds is also described in several places by Matthiessen, Under the Mountain Wall Under the Mountain Wall, p. 227.140 "They took the chow": St. George, "Hidden Valley."

13: COME WHAT MAY 142 Newspapers had detailed the atrocities: Authoritative reports about the Bataan Death March became common fare in early 1944. One example among many was an editorial published in The New York Times The New York Times on January 30, 1944: "Revenge! The Nation Demands It." on January 30, 1944: "Revenge! The Nation Demands It."142 a daring escape: Camilo Ramirez, interview by filmmaker Sonny Izon, n.d.142 leading grueling runs: Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009.142 "'As soon as I can get us there'": Ibid.142 the son of General Courtney Whitney: Captain C. Earl Walter Jr., to Brigadier General Courtney Whitney, March 13, 1945, in Walter's personnel file at MacArthur Memorial Archives, Richmond, Va. It's worth noting that Whitney was not universally admired. MacArthur's biographer, William Manchester, wrote, "From the standpoint of the guerrillas, [Whitney] was a disastrous choice. Undiplomatic and belligerent, he was condescending toward all Filipinos except those who, like himself, had substantial investments in the islands." See William Manchester, American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur, 18801964 American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur, 18801964 (New York: Little, Brown, 1978), p. 378. (New York: Little, Brown, 1978), p. 378.142 a blunt letter: Ibid.143 "a trait I inherited from my father.": Ibid.143 responded two weeks later: Whitney to Walter, March 27, 1945, in Walter's personnel file at MacArthur Memorial Archives.143 He wrote the general in response: Walter to Whitney, April 2, 1945, in Walter's personnel file at MacArthur Memorial Archives.144 frustrated to the point of distraction: Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009.144 "I was an only son": Ibid.144 Whether his father had such power: A personnel file for C. Earl Walter Sr. at the MacArthur Memorial Archives contains only a single sheet of paper, confirming his commissioning as an officer, according to archivist James Zobel.145 "uplift and Christianize them": General James Rusling, "Interview with President William McKinley," Christian Advocate, Christian Advocate, January 22, 1903, p. 17, reprinted in Daniel Schirmer and Stephen Rosskamm Shalom, eds., January 22, 1903, p. 17, reprinted in Daniel Schirmer and Stephen Rosskamm Shalom, eds., The Philippines Reader The Philippines Reader (Boston: South End Press, 1987), pp. 2223. (Boston: South End Press, 1987), pp. 2223.145 "a humane war": Stuart Creighton Miller, Benevolent a.s.similation: The American Conquest of the Philippines, 18991903 Benevolent a.s.similation: The American Conquest of the Philippines, 18991903 (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1984), p. 253. See also Thomas Bender, (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1984), p. 253. See also Thomas Bender, Rethinking American History in a Global Age Rethinking American History in a Global Age (Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2002), p. 282. (Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2002), p. 282.145 opportunities were limited: Alex S. Fabros, "California's Filipino Infantry: A Short History of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments of the U.S. Army in World War II," California State Military Museum, www.militarymuseum.org/Filipino.html, p. 3 (retrieved November 21, 2009).146 more than a hundred thousand transplanted Filipinos: Ibid., p. 1.146 a strange limbo: Linda A. Revilla, " 'Pineapples,' 'Hawayanos,' and 'Loyal Americans': Local Boys in the First Filipino Infantry Regiment, US Army," Social Process in Hawaii Social Process in Hawaii 37 (1996): 61, www.efilarchives.org/pubications (retrieved November 29, 2009). 37 (1996): 61, www.efilarchives.org/pubications (retrieved November 29, 2009).146 "Life is so small a property": Ibid., p. 62. The quote is from Sergeant Urbano Francisco.147 more than seven thousand: Ibid.147 several thousand took the oath: Fabros, "California's Filipino Infantry," p. 4.147 An American reporter: James G. Wingo, "The First Filipino Regiment," Asia Asia 42 (October 1942): 56263. (A tagline with the story notes that Wingo "was, until the occupation of Manila, the Washington correspondent of the Philippines Free Press.") 42 (October 1942): 56263. (A tagline with the story notes that Wingo "was, until the occupation of Manila, the Washington correspondent of the Philippines Free Press.")147 one battle on Samar Island: Fabros, "California's Filipino Infantry," p. 5.147 heavy combat against the j.a.panese on Leyte Island: Ibid.148 "'I've got just the people to go in there'": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.150 a four-part warning: Ibid. See also Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, pp. 1617.151 each one took a step forward: Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.

14. FIVE-BY-FIVE 152 "We can clear enough s.p.a.ce": Hastings, SLD, part 9.152 a C-47: John McCollom, interviews, October 1997 and May 13, 1998.153 the "walkie-talkie": The survivors didn't specify the model, but Margaret Hastings's description makes it likely that it was the Motorola SCR-300, a celebrated two-way radio used extensively in the Pacific during the war. See www.scr300.org and Harry Mark Petrakis, The Founder's Touch: The Life of Paul Galvin of Motorola The Founder's Touch: The Life of Paul Galvin of Motorola (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1965), pp. 14447. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1965), pp. 14447.153 "McCollom swiftly set it up": Hastings, SLD, part 9.153 too choked up to speak: St. George, "Hidden Valley."153 "This is Lieutenant McCollom": Hastings, SLD, part 9.153 Sergeant Jack Gutzeit: The crew members of the 311 supply plane were identified in Jungle Journal Jungle Journal (newsletter of the Far East Air Service Command) 1, no. 4 (June 20, 1945): 3. (newsletter of the Far East Air Service Command) 1, no. 4 (June 20, 1945): 3.154 "almost too weak to move": Hastings, SLD, part 9.154 Captain Herbert O. Mengel: Jungle Journal Jungle Journal, p. 3.155 the natives had returned: The source of the scene and dialogue from the morning of Thursday, May 18, 1945, is SLD, parts 9 and 10.156 New Guinea housing project: Hastings, SLD, part 10.157 permanently embittered one resident: Yunggukwe Wandik, interview. After she reluctantly agreed to tell her story, the author paid her for the pig, on behalf of the people of the United States.158 tomatoes and tomato juice: In SLD, Margaret Hastings only mentions tomatoes, but John McCollom, in his interview with Robert Gardner, said he and Decker found "about a half-dozen big cans of tomato juice and tomatoes."158 "Come on, Maggie": Hastings, SLD, part 10.158 tend more thoroughly to their wounds: Information and quotes about their first medical treatment, including quotes, come from Hastings, SLD, part 10.

15: NO THANKSGIVING 162 the best soldier he'd ever met: Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.162 raced model airplanes: "Model Planes Continue Championship Flights," Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, September 6, 1938, p. 8. Background on Abrenica also comes from his immigration and enlisted records, www.ancestry.com (retrieved November 29, 2009).163 more perilous: Ramirez, interview. His enlistment records support Ramirez's account of his involvement with the Philippine Scouts; his tale of capture and escape is supported by contemporaneous newspaper accounts of his involvement in the rescue at Shangri-La, including an undated news story in Walter's sc.r.a.pbook headlined "Shangri-La Hero Here; Filipino Visits Pal, Claims U.S. Bride."163 "'I will get through there'": Ibid.164 "his gung-ho att.i.tude": Walter, interview with Izon.165 spoke again with Colonel Elsmore: Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009. Also Walter's personal diary, dated May 17, 1945.166 "It's gonna be your operation": Walter, interview with Izon.166 "That was a mess": Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009.166 "Do you really want to do this?": Walter, interview with Izon.167 Walter noted in a journal: Walter, CEW.167 "Don't let anyone jump": Hastings, SLD, part 11.167 "I could no longer move": Ibid.168 fleas in the blankets: Remarks of Colonel Jerry Felmley at John McCollom's retirement dinner, September 23, 1980, Wright Patterson Air Force Base Officers' Club. Felmley interviewed Decker for the occasion.168 "Eureka! We eat!": Hastings, SLD, part 11.169 "Honest, Maggie": Ibid.169 "He was in great pain": Ibid.169 "They would chatter like magpies": Ibid., part 9.170 sized up the native woman: Ibid., part 11.170 name was Gilelek: Helenma Wandik, interview.170 "They held out a pig": Hastings, SLD, part 11.171 "It is the remembrance of pigs": Heider, Grand Valley Dani Grand Valley Dani, p. 39.

16: RAMMY AND DOC 173 Flying ... over the survivors' clearing: Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009. This account also relies on Walter's interview with Izon.173 "The reason I dropped five": Walter, interview with Izon.174 "it looked like h.e.l.l": Ibid.176 "It was patent to all of us": Hastings, SLD, part 12.176 "G.o.d bless you": Kenneth Decker, interview by Sonny Izon, n.d.176 "I said more 'Our Fathers' ": Hastings, SLD, part 12.177 "a hundred feet above the jump zone": Ramirez, interview.177 "The natives have spears": Ibid.179 "they came from the city": Ibid.179 more harm than good: Hastings, SLD, part 13.179 "work the bandages off": Ibid., part 12.180 "how shocked he was": Ibid.180 "sorry-looking gams": Ibid.

17: CUSTER AND COMPANY 182 Colonel Edward T. Imparato: Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 55.182 take the plane in low: Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009.183 "When we first landed": Ibid. Except where otherwise noted, the dialogue throughout this scene of the paratroopers' landing in the valley comes from the author's July 7, 2009, interview with Walter.183 three hundred: "The Hidden Valley," Pulse Pulse (suppl.), typewritten military newsletter, found in Walter's sc.r.a.pbook, p. 4. (suppl.), typewritten military newsletter, found in Walter's sc.r.a.pbook, p. 4.183 "Custer's last stand": Walter, interview by author, July 8, 2009.183 "frightening, weird sound": " Hidden Valley," Walter's sc.r.a.pbook, p. 4.184 "fully equipped for a combat mission": Ibid.184 an area known to the natives as Wosi: Lisaniak Mabel, interview by author, February 2, 2010.185 "a vine from the sky": Ibid.185 his name was Yali: The leader of the Logo-Mabel clans was identified in photographs taken by C. Earl Walter Jr. by four separate witnesses interviewed February 1 to 3, 2010, including Yali's grandson, Reverend Simon Logo.185 "I waved those d.a.m.n leaves": "Hidden Valley," Walter's sc.r.a.pbook, p. 4.186 "they had nothing to fear from us": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.186 Writing that night in the journal: Walter, CEW, May 20, 1945.186 "never bathed": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.186 "a lot of hugging": Ibid.188 "let's take our pants down": Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009. See also Walter, CEW, May 21, 1945.188 "'That's not mud'": Ai Baga, interview by author, February 2, 2010. The Dani reaction to the soldiers' nudity also relies on interviews the same day with Lisaniak Mabel and the following day with Narekesok Logo.189 The Queen: The Queen: Imparato, Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 105.189 strangers weren't welcome inside the fence: Walter, CEW, May 20, 1945.190 "For six hours": Hastings, SLD, part 13.190 scoured the jungle: John McCollom, interview, October 1997.190 "A native came running into our camp": Hastings, SLD, part 13.191 "with you by nightfall": Ibid.191 "My beau, Wally": Ibid.192 returned to the base: John McCollom, interview, October 1997. McCollom is the source of the dialogue for this entire exchange.194 "We had to slice": Ramirez, interview.

18: BATHTIME FOR YUGWE 195 Margaret awoke the next morning: Hastings, SLD, part 13. This account of Margaret's bath also came from McCollom, interview by Gardner, October 1997.196 "I looked around": Hastings, SLD, part 13.197 "We saw she had b.r.e.a.s.t.s": Helenma Wandik, interview.197 "a man, a woman, and the woman's husband": Ibid.197 "always heartily detested": Hastings, SLD, part 13.197 "a short recon": Walter, CEW, May 21, 1945.198 "one of the most interesting parts of our lives": Ibid.198 "Fired a few shots": Ibid.198 "just for the h.e.l.l of it": Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009.199 "our weapons can kill": Walter, CEW, May 21, 1945.199 "One man, named Mageam": Lisaniak Mabel, interview.199 "Pika was shooting the gun": Ai Baga, interview.199 "our enemies didn't come": Narekesok Logo, interview by author, February 3, 2010.200 a house for inalugu: inalugu: Ai Baga, interview. Ai Baga, interview.200 fueled up with a breakfast: Walter, CEW, May 22, 1945.200 "G.o.d only knows": Ibid.201 "A declaration, called a maga maga": Yunggukwe Wandik, interview.201 "came out on a path and stopped us": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.202 "more bother than good": Walter, CEW, May 23, 1945.202 "Did not understand": Ibid.203 "Things look bad": Ibid., May 24, 1945.203 "G.o.d only knows": Ibid.

19. "SHOO, SHOO BABY"

204 "Finally they are over us": Walter, CEW, May 25, 1945.204 "Earl will get down there": McCollom and Walter, joint interview, May 13, 1998.205 "that yapping noise": Hastings, SLD, part 14.205 "He looked like a giant": Ibid.205 "I knew they were all right": Walter, interview with Izon.205 "His men worshipped Walter": Hastings, SLD, part 14.205 "a pretty good-looking gal": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.206 an American flag waved: Ibid., July 7, 2009.206 "The Lost Outpost of Shangri-La": Walter, CEW, May 29, 1945.206 "The Stars and Stripes now fly": Ibid., May 31, 1945.207 "won and lost thousands of dollars": Hastings, SLD, part 14.207 "Superman" and "Iron Man": In her diary, Hastings refers to Caoili as "Superman," but in captions on photos in his sc.r.a.pbook, Walter uses the nickname "Iron Man."207 "There ought to be a law": Hastings, SLD, part 14.207 "Deuces wild, roll your own": "Here's a Soldier Who Refuses to Embrace a WAC," Chicago Daily Tribune Chicago Daily Tribune, July 12, 1945.207 "don't know how to play cards": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.207 "The captain played": Hastings, SLD, part 14.208 "Walter was a personality kid": Ibid.209 "leave the men alone": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.209 "just walk away": Ibid.209 "all the credit in the world": Walter, CEW, May 25, 1945.210 burial duty: Walter, CEW, May 27 to May 29, 1945.210 a second Star of David: Doc.u.ment in the IDPF of Private Mary M. Landau, signed by her brother, Jack Landau, dated June 29, 1959.210 helping to toss the funerary supplies: Oral history interview with Ruth Johnson Coster, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Object ID WV0145.5.001.211 the trail of Margaret's hair: Hastings, SLD, part 14.211 "There it is": McCollom and Walter, joint interview, May 13, 1998.211 "Lieutenant Mac's report": Walter, CEW, May 29, 1945.212 "we buried Captain Good": Walter, CEW, June 6, 1945. News reports at the time said the burial service took place May 26, but Walter's journal puts the date at June 6. The credibility of his account is enhanced by previous entries in which he writes that he is waiting for orders about the disposition of remains.213 a hero in his own right: Air Force Link, www.af.mil/bios/bio .asp?bioID=5510 (retrieved February 18, 2010).213 "Out of the depth": Russell Brines, a.s.sociated Press staff writer, " 'Shangri-La' on New Guinea," June 9, 1945, found in Walter's sc.r.a.pbook.213 "seemed to whisper a peace": Ibid.213 "the saddest and most impressive funeral": Hastings, SLD, part 14.214 "a long discussion on the world at war": Walter, CEW, June 6, 1945.214 "a true blue gal": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.214 "When they climbed the mountain": Yunggukwe Wandik, interview.215 condolence letters: Copies of letters from General Douglas MacArthur, General Clements McMullen, and General H. H. Arnold provided by Major Nicholson's family.216 "a corrected report": General Robert W. Dunlop to Patrick J. Hastings, May 27, 1945, Hastings's archive file at TCHS.216 "a very miraculous escape": Chaplain Cornelius Waldo to Patrick J. Hastings, dated 8, 1945, Hastings's archive file at TCHS.

20. "HEY, MARTHA!"

218 seeped into his journal: Walter, CEW, excerpted entries from May 29 to June 8, 1945.220 Walter Simmons ... was thirty-seven: Trevor Jensen, "Walter Simmons, 19082006: Editor and War Reporter," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, December 1, 2006.221 Reporting in May 1945: Headlines are from stories published in the Chicago Tribun Chicago Tribune under Walter Simmons's byline on May 13, May 17, May 21, and May 31, 1945.221 A native of Nova Scotia: "Ralph Morton, Former War Reporter," Newsday Newsday, October 20, 1988, p. 41.221 more than fourteen hundred newspapers: Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica, www .britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/136280/Kent-Cooper (retrieved February 22, 2010). See also www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3445000019.html.222 "In a hidden valley": Walter Simmons, "WAC, 2 Yanks Marooned in Hidden Valley," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, June 8, 1945.223 "The crash of an Army transport plane": a.s.sociated Press, "Chutists Land in Shangri-La to Rescue Fliers," Deseret News Deseret News, June 9, 1945.223 The New York Times The New York Times: a.s.sociated Press, "Airfield Is Built to Rescue a Wac and 2 Men in New Guinea Crash," New York Times New York Times, June 9, 1945.224 "stop worrying and start praying!": "Plane-to-Ground Conversations Reveal Details of Survivors' Life in Shangri-La Valley," Trenton Republican-Times Trenton Republican-Times, July 13, 1945.224 "the queen of the valley": Ibid.224 "Shangri-La Gets Latest News": Ralph Morton, "Shangri-La Gets Latest News from a.s.sociated Press," St. Petersburg Evening Independent St. Petersburg Evening Independent, June 13, 1945.224 $1,000 each: Walter, CEW, June 1618, 1945.224 a pang of jealousy: Ibid.224 WAC private Thelma Decker: "Plane-to-Ground Conversations."225 bought a box of chocolates: a.s.sociated Press, "Shangri-La Trio Hikes Out Today," Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake Tribune, June 14, 1945.225 "She can go native": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 24, 1945, reprinted in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 120.225 "clawed at the aluminum door frame": Walter Simmons, "Crew Supplying Hidden Valley Averts Mishap," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, June 21, 1945.225 panning for gold: Ibid., p. 122.226 cases of beer: Walter, CEW, June 9, 1945.226 "too overcome to write": Ibid.226 deliver personal messages: "Tribune Sending Kin's Notes to 'Hidden Valley,' " Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, June 15, 1945.226 "Robert was killed instantly": John McCollom to Rolla and Eva McCollom, quoted to the author by Robert's daughter, Dennie McCollom Scott, May 30, 2010.227 "dropping me some panties?": Simmons, "WAC, 2 Yanks."227 "begging for a pair of pants": Hastings, SLD, part 15.227 "Tropic skin diseases": Ibid.228 "Mumu" and "Mua": Helenma Wandik, interview.228 lengthy thoughts about the natives: C. Earl Walter Jr., "Miscellaneous Notes on the Natives," CEW.228 "some pictures of pinup girls": Ibid.229 couldn't quite fill his gourd: Ibid.229 "many curving lines on the paper": Ibid.230 "white G.o.ds dropped out of the sky": a.s.sociated Press, "Three in 'Shangri-La' May Quit Peak Today," New York Times New York Times, June 14, 1945.230 "the happiest people I've ever seen": Walter Simmons, "Hidden Valley Dwellers Hide Nothing, but All Wear Smiles," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1945.230 "They lived well": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.230 "the best-looking girl": Walter, "Miscellaneous Notes."

21: PROMISED LAND 232 "headlines all over the world": Walter, CEW, June 11, 1945.232 "my prayers on the future": Ibid., June 13, 1945.232 "My last news of Dad": Ibid.233 "I will not risk": Ibid., June 10, 1945.233 delayed their departure: Ibid., June 15, 1945.233 kept after his journalistic prey: U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 15, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, pp. 7980.235 "Two Filipino medics": Simmons, "WAC, 2 Yanks."235 hailed from Chicago: Walter Simmons, "Glider Takes Six More Out of Shangri-La," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, July 1, 1945.235 reacted angrily in his journal: Walter, CEW, June 22, 1945.236 "you gonna use any of this?": John McCollom, interview, October 1997.236 "farewells to Pete and his men": Hastings, SLD, part 15.236 weeping at their departure: Ibid.237 bestowed another maga maga: Yunggukwe Wandik, interview.237 glanced back over her shoulder: Hastings, SLD, part 15.237 "break off a bite and eat it": John McCollom, interview, October 1997.237 "n.o.body knew what the food was": Tomas Wandik, interview.237 a place of magic: Yunggukwe Wandik, interview.237 McCollom's offer of a machete: His son, Helenma Wandik, fondly remembered the machete sixty-five years later, as did his niece and nephew, Tomas and Yunggukwe Wandik.238 "Some people were getting mad at Wimayuk": Helenma Wandik, interview.238 "They loved them": Hastings, SLD, part 13.238 It remained in use: Author's visit to a village near the site of Uwambo in February 2010. Yali and Dani villages tend to move over the years, and Uwambo was no longer a village site.239 "up and down and crevice to crevice": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.239 "I thought I was well": Hastings, SLD, part 15.239 "Hats off to Sergeant Decker": Walter, CEW, June 15, 1945.240 "plenty rugged": Ibid., June 1618, 1945.240 "Are they hostile?": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 16, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 82.240 "Our main trouble is water": Ibid.240 "My main concern": Walter, interview by author, July 7, 2009.241 "We are rolling too well": Walter, CEW, June 1618, 1945.241 "like a million dollars": Hastings, SLD, part 15.241 "we instantly named 'Bob Hope' ": Ibid.242 running up the trail: Walter, CEW, June 1618, 1945.242 "the best d.a.m.n field soldiers": Ibid.242 jumped up and down: Far East Air Service Command Report, June 18, 1945, reprinted in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 87.242 sitting beside him: Ralph Morton, "Survivor Trio of Shangri-La Safe in Valley," Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune, June 20, 1945.242 "Surely the followers of Moses": Hastings, SLD, part 16.

22: HOLLYWOOD 243 "there it lies today": Hastings, SLD, part 16.243 "ever make a jump before?": John McCollom, interview by Gardner, October 1997.244 "a rank amateur": Hastings, SLD, part 16.244 "Pull your legs together!": Ibid.244 "Pull on your risers!": McCollom, interview by Gardner, October 1997.245 "This man is drunk!": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.245 "Drunker than a hoot owl": McCollom, interview by Gardner, October 1997.245 "The valley is going Hollywood": a.s.sociated Press, "Shangri-La Trio Eat Pork Chops, Await Rescue," Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune, June 21, 1945.245 Canadian House of Commons: Ernest J. Chambers, The Canadian Parliamentary Guide The Canadian Parliamentary Guide (Ottawa, Canada: Mortimer, 1908), p. 143. (Ottawa, Canada: Mortimer, 1908), p. 143.246 helped to launch the Federal Reserve Bank of New York: "H. V. Cann Returns to Canada," New York Times New York Times, March 3, 1917.246 study structural engineering: Alexandra Cann, interview by author, August 15, 2009.246 gamble away his sizable inheritance: Ibid.246 small movie roles: resume of Alexander Cross, www.imdb.com (retrieved August 15, 2009). See also Cann, interview.246 drinking buddy Humphrey Bogart: Cann, interview.247 can't-miss "Hey, Martha!" story: "Actor Confesses Theft of Gems at Palm Springs," Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, March 28, 1937.248 "n.o.body likes to prosecute a friend": "Mrs. Hearst Not to Prosecute Cann in Gem Theft Case," Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, March 29, 1937.248 "Host's Jewels Are Stolen by Thespian": a.s.sociated Press, "Host's Jewels Are Stolen by Thespian," Brownsville (Texas) Herald Brownsville (Texas) Herald, March 29, 1937.248 a Hearst and a heist: "Ex-Wife of Hearst Jr. Robbed," New York Times New York Times, March 28, 1937.248 married and divorced three times: Cann, interview.248 survived, but with a broken back: Playwright Keith Dewhurst, Alexander Cann's son-in-law, interview by author, September 15, 2009.248 "a great deal more about filmmaking": Cann, interview.248 Netherlands Indies Government Information Service: David J. Snyder, "The Netherlands Information Service Collection: An Introduction," Historia Actual Online Historia Actual Online 3, no. 8 (2005): 2019. 3, no. 8 (2005): 2019.249 "War Correspondent and Cinematographer": Correspondence between Robert Gardner and John Daniell, son of Fred Daniell of the Dutch East Indies Film Unit, December 17, 1997.249 his charm and Canadian accent: Ibid.249 slammed full-speed into the Australia Australia: "The First Kamikaze Attack?" Australian War Memorial, www.awm.gov.au/wartime/28/article.asp (retrieved March 2, 2010).249 "smoke already pouring out": a.s.sociated Press, "j.a.p Plane with Dead Pilot Rips Allied Cruiser," Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, November 2, 1944.250 flew from Melbourne to Hollandia on June 17: Alexander Cann, "Chuting Photog Pictures Life in 'Shangri-La,' " Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, July 2, 1945.250 "six quarts of whisky and a party": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 22, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 117.250 "obviously dangerous": Cann, interview.250 "whether I jumped or was pushed": Cann, "Chuting Photog."250 aspirin supply: Hastings, SLD, part 16.250 chow mein and fried potatoes: Ibid.250 "a full fifth of Dutch gin": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.250 "not until another story comes along": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 24, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 122.251 "the most magnificent survivor": "Hidden Valley," Pulse Pulse; Pulse Pulse was the newsletter of the USS was the newsletter of the USS Barnstable Barnstable, which took Walter and his men to Manila. A slightly different version of this quote appears in "Modern Legend of Shangri-La," Jungle Journal Jungle Journal (newsletter of the Far East Air Service Command) 1, no. 4 (June 20, 1945): 3. (newsletter of the Far East Air Service Command) 1, no. 4 (June 20, 1945): 3.251 "I ... will give up my crown": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 24, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 122.251 became fast friends: Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.251 "experience and hard knocks": Walter, CEW, June 21, 1945.251 "really learn something": Ibid., June 23, 1945.251 "a swell egg": Ibid., June 29, 1945.252 "thought she was a dog": Hastings, SLD, part 16.252 "I wanted to cry": Ibid.253 insisted that his bed go to Decker: Ibid.254 "laid down in agony": Walter, CEW, June 20, 1945.254 re-create the last leg of the journey: Walter, CEW, June 21, 1945. See also Walter and McCollom, interview by Gardner, May 13, 1998.

23: GLIDERS?

255 navy construction battalion: Don Dwiggins, On Silent Wings: Adventures in Motorless Flight On Silent Wings: Adventures in Motorless Flight (New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1970), p. 109. (New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1970), p. 109.256 L-5 Sentinel: Devlin, Silent Wings Silent Wings, p. 354. See also National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=519 (retrieved March 5, 2010).256 consume all its fuel: Devlin, Silent Wings Silent Wings, p. 254.256 lanky country boy: Margaret Palmer Harvey, daughter of Henry Palmer, interview by author, March 12, 2010.256 headed for a blackboard: Devlin, Silent Wings Silent Wings, pp. 35455.257 "no second chances": Ibid., p. xi.257 a leader in glider technology: Ibid., pp. 2936.258 quiet war machines: Ibid. See also David T. Zabecki, World War II in Europe World War II in Europe, (New York: Routledge, 1999), pp. 147172.259 one thousand qualified glider pilots: Major Michael H. Manion, "Gliders of World War II: 'The b.a.s.t.a.r.ds No One Wanted,' " master's thesis, School of Advanced Air and s.p.a.ce Studies, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala., June 2008, p. 56.259 watched with interest: McCollom, interview, October 1997.259 furniture company, and a coffin maker: Manion, "Gliders of World War II," p. 53. See also Dwiggins, On Silent Wings On Silent Wings, p. 78.260 wingspan of eighty-three feet, eight inches: Waco CG-4A specs come from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=504 (retrieved March 7, 2010).260 14,000 Wacos: Turner Publishing, World War II Glider Pilots World War II Glider Pilots (Paducah, Ky.: Turner, 1991), p. 16. (Paducah, Ky.: Turner, 1991), p. 16.260 about $15,000 each: Ibid.260 seventeen deluxe, eight-cylinder Ford sedans: Marvin L. Arrowsmith, "OPA Set New Car Price Ceilings near 1942 Averages," St. Petersburg Evening Independent St. Petersburg Evening Independent, November 19, 1945.260 within two hundred yards: Turner Publishing, World War II Glider Pilots World War II Glider Pilots, p. 16.261 "suicide jockeys": Lloyd Clark, Crossing the Rhine: Breaking into n.a.z.i Germany, 1944 and 1945 Crossing the Rhine: Breaking into n.a.z.i Germany, 1944 and 1945 (New York: Grove Atlantic, 2008), p. 87. (New York: Grove Atlantic, 2008), p. 87.261 a mordant toast: National World War II Glider Pilots a.s.sociation Web site, www.pointvista.com/WW2GliderPilots/GliderPilotHumor.htm (retrieved March 7, 2010).261 "don't go by glider!": Walter Cronkite, foreword to John L. Lowden, Silent Wings at War: Combat Gliders in World War II Silent Wings at War: Combat Gliders in World War II (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Inst.i.tution Press, 2003), p. ix. (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Inst.i.tution Press, 2003), p. ix.262 Nearly five hundred glider retrievals: Keith H. Thoms et al., "Austere Recovery of Cargo Gliders," www.ndu.edu/inss/Press/jfq_pages/editions/i48/29.pdf (retrieved March 9, 2010).262 retrofitted as medevac aircraft: Leon B. Spencer, former World War II glider pilot, and Charles L. Day, "WW II U.S. Army Air Forces Glider Aerial Retrieval System," www.silentwingsmuseum.com/images/Web%20Content/WWII%20USAAF%20Glider%20Aerial%20Retrieval%20System.pdf (retrieved October 20, 2009).264 scattered all over: Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 59.264 a pilot with United Airlines: William Samuels, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot (San Francisco, Calif.: Monterey Pacific, 1999), p. 46. (San Francisco, Calif.: Monterey Pacific, 1999), p. 46.264 most experienced glider pickup pilot: Ibid., p. 72.264 turned over his own quarters: Ibid., p. 73.265 Leaking Louise Leaking Louise: Ibid., p. 72.265 a three-day case of dysentery: Ibid., p. 74.265 Fanless f.a.ggot Fanless f.a.ggot: St. George, "Rescue from Shangri-La," p. 6.265 "What do you think, Mac?": Samuels, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot, p. 73.265 one to two feet high: U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 19, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 110.266 toilet paper: "Reynolds Allen Clears Up Several Hidden Valley Facts Related in Prior Articles," Silent Wings Silent Wings (newsletter of the National World War II Glider Pilots a.s.sociation) 1, no. 4 (September 1974): 16. (newsletter of the National World War II Glider Pilots a.s.sociation) 1, no. 4 (September 1974): 16.266 a huge winch: Ibid. Details on glider s.n.a.t.c.h technique and equipment also came from Spencer and Day, "Glider Aerial Retrieval System"; Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La; Lowden, Silent Wings at War Silent Wings at War; Thoms et al., "Austere Recovery of Cargo Gliders"; Devlin, Silent Wings Silent Wings; and Roy Gibbons, "Brake and Reel Device Used in Glider s.n.a.t.c.h," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, July 1, 1945.267 within three seconds: Lowden, Silent Wings at War Silent Wings at War, p. 17. See also Leon B. Spencer and Day, "Glider Aerial Retrieval System," p. 5.

24: TWO QUEENS 268 "after we get out of here": Frank Kelley, "Weather Delays Rescue of Shangri-La Shutins," New York Tribune New York Tribune, June 23, 1945, in Walter's sc.r.a.pbook.269 five cowrie sh.e.l.ls: Hastings, SLD, part 16.269 sixty-two arrows and three bows: Walter, CEW, June 23, 1945.269 four sh.e.l.ls: Kelley, "Weather Delays Rescue."269 pigpen ... collapsed: John McCollom, interview, October 1997.269 ruining the local economy: Ibid.270 At a funeral: Heider, Grand Valley Dani Grand Valley Dani, pp. 13233.270 "don't take the sh.e.l.ls": Lisaniak Mabel, interview.270 "be careful": Walter, interview by author, July 6, 2009.270 "quite a money monger": Walter, CEW, June 30, 1945.271 Gerlagam Logo: Narekesok Logo and Dagadigik Walela, interviews by author, February 3, 2010.271 "eggs that landed unscrambled": St. George, "Rescue from Shangri-La," p. 6.271 "believers in mankind": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 21, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 117.272 "Natives not very fast": Walter, CEW, June 24, 1945.272 "shot through the heart": Hastings, SLD, part 17.272 found the skeleton: Walter, CEW, June 27, 1945.273 "a dying race": Walter, CEW, June 22, 1945.273 "You could see where the cuts were": Narekesok Logo, interview. The story of the pig was confirmed in interviews with Dagadigik Walela on the same day, and with Ai Baga and Lisaniak Mabel on February 2, 2010.273 "smeared their heads with mosquito repellant": Simmons, "Glider Takes Six More."273 infection on her breast: U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 21, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 114.273 "a wonderfully carefree people": Simmons, "Glider Takes Six More."274 "the captain forbade it": Hastings, SLD, part 17.274 "a man of dignity and authority": Ibid., part 16.275 "a word of the other's language": Ibid., part 17.276 "a royal guest": Ibid.276 "the rest of us": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 21, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 114.276 "a wise people": Hastings, SLD, part 17.276 an ornate necklace: Walter, CEW, June 20 and 21, 1945.277 a chief with ten wives: Interview with Dagadigik Walela, February 3, 2010.278 severed the nylon tow rope: Samuels, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot, p. 74. See also Hastings, SLD, part 18.278 compa.s.s mast was knocked off: St. George, "Rescue from Shangri-La," p. 6.278 the steel cable: Devlin, Silent Wings Silent Wings, p. 357.278 "The winch just blew up": Walter Simmons, "Glider Rescue Test Again Fails," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, June 26, 1945.278 Winston Howell: A dispute exists over the first name and rank of the winch operator. Some accounts call him Private James Howell. However, stories by Sergeant Ozzie St. George of Yank Yank and Walter Simmons of the and Walter Simmons of the Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, both of whom covered the mission, identify him as "Master Sergeant Winston Howell." In his memoir, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot, William J. Samuels identifies him as "Frank" Howell.278 certain they'd have no trouble: Ralph Morton, "Survivor Trio of Shangri-La Safe in Valley," Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune, June 20, 1945.278 "A shower of aluminum": Samuels, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot, p. 74.279 "badly rusted": "Reynolds Allen," Silent Wings Silent Wings, p. 16.279 cancel the glider s.n.a.t.c.h: Simmons, "Glider Rescue Test."279 inviting the Seabees: a.s.sociated Press, "Five More Rescued At Shangri-La," Miami News Miami News, June 30, 1945.279 "any haphazard attempt": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 19, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 111.279 "possibility of a bad accident": Ibid.279 "if the glider pickup didn't work": Walter, interview by Izon.280 "I said my Rosary": Hastings, SLD, part 18.280 asked a chaplain to pray: Ibid. See also Samuels, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot, p. 74.281 "might have been dead": Hastings, SLD, part 17.282 "one of us handsome guys": Ibid.282 their name for Margaret was Nuarauke: Ai Baga, interview.282 " 'Sleep with this woman' ": Interview with Hugiampot, February 2, 2010.283 Caoili was called Kelabi: Ibid. The names were confirmed by others in the valley, including Lisaniak Mabel, Narekesok Logo, and Dagadigik Walela.283 "appreciate our help": Walter, CEW, June 19, 1945.283 "our first uneasy night": Ibid., dated June 22, 1945.284 on his own terms: Ai Baga, Lisaniak Mabel, and Hugiampot, interviews.284 "the enemies talked": Ai Baga, interview.

25: s.n.a.t.c.h 285 overload the glider: U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 22, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 116. See also Walter Simmons, "Clouds Defeat Hidden Valley Rescue Effort," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, June 29, 1945, p. 2285 sat in the glider's copilot seat: Simmons, "Clouds Defeat." See also Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 72.285 reflected confidence: Pilot William J. Samuels was certain Elsmore's act was a mark of confidence in the C-47 crew. See Samuels, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot, p. 74.285 awoke at 6:00 a.m.: U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 28, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 139.286 "puffs of cigar smoke": Walter Simmons, "Glider Saves Yanks Marooned in Shangri-La Valley," Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune, June 30, 1945.286 "Does the queen": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 28, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 139.286 a B-25 bomber: Don Caswell, "It's Not Exactly Shangri-La," United Press story datelined July 1, 1945, in Walter's sc.r.a.pbook.286 "my prayers on the future": Walter, CEW, June 13, 1945.287 "I will not be on the first glider": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 28, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 139.288 glider's tail rose: Alexander Cann's film Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, copy provided by Robert Gardner.288 "jumping up and down": Hastings, SLD, part 18.288 whooping and hollering: Transcript of June 29, 1945, press conference, reprinted in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 189.288 "gas or time": U.S. Army air-to-ground transcript, June 28, 1945, in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 141.289 lighten the load: Report of Major William Samuels, reprinted in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 143.289 "a d.a.m.n good day": Ibid.289 "better not try a dry run": Ibid., p. 142.289 "ready to go?": Hastings, SLD, part 18.290 "they understood that we were going": Hastings, SLD, part 18.291 "We had a crying ceremony": Transcript of interview with Binalok conducted by Buzz Maxey, 1997, no month given. Binalok had since died when the author visited the Baliem Valley, but his explanations were confirmed during discussions with other witnesses quoted throughout the book.291 a more traditional style: Ibid. A man named Lolkwa joined Binalok during this part of the discussion.291 "insured for ten thousand dollars": Hastings, SLD, part 18.292 "survived a hideous plane crash": Ibid.292 "I don't think I can pick up": "Corporal Margaret Hastings and Two Companions Are Rescued by Glider," news clipping in Hastings's sc.r.a.pbook, TCHS.292 "This is the best weather": Ibid.293 "Are you nervous": Report of Samuels, reprinted in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 143.293 135 miles per hour: United Press, "Glider Rescue Almost Ends in Second Tragedy," Schenectady (N.Y.) Gazette Schenectady (N.Y.) Gazette, July 2, 1945.293 "Oh boy. Oh boy": Ozzie St. George, "Rescue From Shangri-La," Yank: The Army Weekly Yank: The Army Weekly, August 17, 1945, p. 6.293 slowed the Leaking Louise Leaking Louise: Ibid.294 about one thousand feet: United Press, "Glider Rescue Almost Ends in Second Tragedy," Schenectady (N.Y.) Gazette Schenectady (N.Y.) Gazette, July 2, 1945, p. 7.295 through the upper branches: Ibid.295 grazed a treetop: Hastings, SLD, part 18.295 "into our line of vision": Ibid.295 hands sweating: Ibid.295 "as far as she can go": a.s.sociated Press story, unbylined but written by Ralph Morton, "Trio, s.n.a.t.c.hed Out of Valley, Arrive Safely," Walter's sc.r.a.pbook.295 cut the glider loose: John McCollom, interview, October 1997.295 "Let 'em heat up": Ibid.295 a persistent slap-slap slap-slap noise: Hastings, SLD, part 18. noise: Hastings, SLD, part 18.296 tried not to look: Ibid.296 one more task: McCollom and Walter, joint interview, May 13, 1998.296 cylinder heads ... overheating: Report of Samuels, reprinted in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 144.296 "brushing the mountain tops": United Press, "Glider Rescue Almost Ends in Second Tragedy," Schenectady (N.Y.) Gazette Schenectady (N.Y.) Gazette, July 2, 1945.

EPILOGUE: AFTER SHANGRI-LA 298 landed a quarter mile away: St. George, "Rescue from Shangri-La," p. 6.298 "Get a haircut and shave": Transcript of press conference, reprinted in Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, pp. 18489.298 "The Four Musketeers": Walter, CEW, June 30, 1945.299 "We were excited to go." Lisaniak Mabel, interview. This account is supported by a pa.s.sage in a story printed in the Jungle Journal Jungle Journal 1, no. 5 (July 4, 1945): "One boy the Filipinos were reluctant to leave behind was a chap whom they named Smiley... . For a few minutes, they thought they had him talked into a new future, but in the end he backed out." 1, no. 5 (July 4, 1945): "One boy the Filipinos were reluctant to leave behind was a chap whom they named Smiley... . For a few minutes, they thought they had him talked into a new future, but in the end he backed out."300 "The ident.i.ty of the valley": Science Science, n.s., 102, no. 2652 (October 26, 1945): 14.303 letters to the victims' families: Lt. Col. Donald Wardle, chief of the Army Disposition Branch, Memorial Division, to Mr. Rolla McCollom, father of Robert and John McCollom, May 1, 1959, in McCollom's IDPF.304 "segregation was not possible": Ibid.304 honorary pallbearer: Lieutenant Colonel Anne O'Sullivan, "Plane Down, WACs Aboard," Women's Army Corps Journal Women's Army Corps Journal 5, no. 5 (OctoberDecember 1974): 16. 5, no. 5 (OctoberDecember 1974): 16.304 a lei of vanda orchids: Ibid.304 Robert McCollom's wedding ring: Wardle to Mrs. Cecelia A. McCollom, the widow of Robert McCollom, May 13, 1959. (Coincidentally, fourteen years to the date after the crash.)305 his best friend: Melvyn Lutgring, interview by author, January 9, 2010.305 larger historical event: Inteview with Margaret Harvey, Henry Palmer's daughter, on March 12, 2010. See also obituary of Henry Earl Palmer, Watchman Watchman (Clinton, La.), October 28, 1991. (Clinton, La.), October 28, 1991.306 offered a choice: Samuels, Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot, p. 76.306 military honors: "Ray Elsmore, 66."306 An obituary: Ibid.306 obituary of George Lait: "George Lait, Coast Publicist, Dies at 51," New York Times New York Times, January 13, 1958.306 Ralph Morton: a.s.sociated Press obituary, "Ralph Morton, Former War Reporter," Newsday Newsday, October 20, 1988, p. 41.306 Walter Simmons: Jensen, "Walter Simmons, 19082006."307 "stopped off to be an alcoholic": Tony Stephens, "Talented Agent Loved His Actors," obituary of John Cann, Sydney Morning Herald Sydney Morning Herald, September 25, 2008, www.smh.com.au/news/obituaries/talented-agent-loved-his-actors/2008/09/24/1222217327095.html (retrieved August 14, 2009).307 returned to acting: Reuters obituary, "Canadian Actor Dies," Ottawa Citizen Ottawa Citizen, December 22, 1977. See also Cann, interview, and follow-up e-mails.307 Lucille Moseley: "Filipino Scout Weds U.S. Girl," undated news clipping in Walter's sc.r.a.pbook. Accompanied by a second unbylined, undated clipping headlined "Shangri-La Hero Here."308 dissolved the 1st Recon: Commendation letter signed by Douglas MacArthur, dated August 15, 1945, found in Margaret Hastings's correspondence file at TCHS.309 " 'Did you earn that?' ": Walter, interview by author, March 1, 2010.309 last entry in his journal: Walter, CEW, July 3, 1945.309 "highlight of my life": Walter, interview by author, March 1, 2010.310 married late in life: Betty McCollom, interview.310 a telephone call every year: John McCollom, interview, October 1997.310 tears to his eyes: John S. McCollom to retired Colonel Edward T. Imparato. See Imparato, Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 160.310 left the military in 1946: John S. McCollom's obituary, Dayton Daily News, Dayton Daily News, August 21, 2001, p. 10, provided by Betty McCollom. August 21, 2001, p. 10, provided by Betty McCollom.310 "Why wasn't I killed instead of them?": Ibid.311 "a baby daughter he had never seen": McCollom to Imparato, printed in Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La, p. 160.311 Robert, alive, waiting for them: Pond, "Reunion," pp. 1819. During his unaired interview with John McCollom, Robert Gardner tried sensitively to raise the subject of Robert McCollom's death, but each time John McCollom changed the subject or said something along the lines of, "I was lucky."311 too weak to carry him: Betty McCollom, interview.312 his own obituary: McCollom's obituary.312 "most celebrated young woman": Miller, "Reconversion of a Heroine," p. 5.312 "She's blonde": "Read Shangri-La Diary," Boston Sunday Advertiser Boston Sunday Advertiser, July 15, 1945, n.p., Margaret Hastings's sc.r.a.pbook, TCHS.312 fielding offers: "The Price of Fame," editorial, apparently from the Owego Gazette Owego Gazette, July 14, 1945, in Margaret Hastings's sc.r.a.pbook, TCHS.312 "true comic": Frances Ullman, editor of Calling All Girls Calling All Girls magazine, to Margaret Hastings, July 19, 1945, in Margaret Hastings's correspondence file, TCHS. magazine, to Margaret Hastings, July 19, 1945, in Margaret Hastings's correspondence file, TCHS.312 dined at Toots Shor's: Miller, "Reconversion of a Heroine," p. 5.312 three thousand people: Stuart A. Dunham, "Shangri-La WAC Home, Finds Every Girl's Dream Come True," Binghamton Press Binghamton Press, July 20, 1945.313 "alligator pumps": "Owego Welcomes WAC Home," Owego Gazette Owego Gazette, July 20, 1945.313 movie offers: Ibid.313 Loretta Young: Sidney Skolsky, "Hollywood Is My Beat," undated gossip column clipping in Margaret Hastings's sc.r.a.pbook, TCHS.313 waving their handkerchiefs and crying: Miller, "Reconversion of a Heroine,", p. 5.314 fourteen different states: Tour schedule contained in Margaret Hastings's correspondence file, TCHS.314 letter is chaste: Letter from Don Ruiz to Margaret Hastings, dated October 10, 1945, in Margaret Hastings's correspondence file, TCHS.314 "I have the deepest sympathy": Colonel Luther Hill to Margaret G. Nicholson, July 21, 1945, provided by Major Nicholson's family.314 "'my commander's widow'": Interview with John McCarthy, September 13, 2009.315 "overwhelmed with war stories": Callahan, interview.316 "if he didn't drown": a.s.sociated Press, "Former WAC Recalls 47-Day Jungle Ordeal," Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, November 26, 1961.316 honorary members: "Hidden Valley Survivors to be Honored," Silent Wings Silent Wings 1, no. 4 (September 1974): 1. 1, no. 4 (September 1974): 1.316 "doing what has to be done": Pond, "Reunion."316 "You bet!": Ibid., p. 18.316 "a good fight": Callahan, interview.

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alexander, Larry. Shadows in the Jungle: The Alamo Scouts Behind Enemy Lines in World War II. Shadows in the Jungle: The Alamo Scouts Behind Enemy Lines in World War II. New York: NAL Caliber, 2009. New York: NAL Caliber, 2009.Bender, Thomas. Rethinking American History in a Global Age Rethinking American History in a Global Age. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2002.Brown, Jerold E. Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Army Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Army. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2001.Clarinbould, Michael John. The Forgotten Fifth: A Photographic Chronology of the U.S. Fifth Air Force in World War II The Forgotten Fifth: A Photographic Chronology of the U.S. Fifth Air Force in World War II. Hyde Park, N.Y.: Balus Design, 2007.Connolly, Bob, and Robin Anderson. First Contact: New Guinea's Highlanders Encounter the Outside World. First Contact: New Guinea's Highlanders Encounter the Outside World. New York: Viking, 1987. New York: Viking, 1987.Devlin, Gerard M. Silent Wings: The Saga of the U.S. Army and Marine Combat Glider Pilots during World War II. Silent Wings: The Saga of the U.S. Army and Marine Combat Glider Pilots during World War II. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1985. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1985.Diamond, Jared. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Viking, 2005. New York: Viking, 2005._________. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. New York: W. W. Norton, 1997. New York: W. W. Norton, 1997.Dwiggins, Don. On Silent Wings: Adventures in Motorless Flight On Silent Wings: Adventures in Motorless Flight. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1970.Flannery, Tim. Throwim Way Leg: Tree-Kangaroos, Possums and p.e.n.i.s Gourds Throwim Way Leg: Tree-Kangaroos, Possums and p.e.n.i.s Gourds. New York: Grove Press, 1998.Gardner, Robert. Making Dead Birds: Chronicle of a Film Making Dead Birds: Chronicle of a Film. Cambridge, Ma.s.s.: Peabody Museum Press, 2007.Gardner, Robert, and Karl G. Heider. Gardens of War: Life and Death in the New Guinea Stone Age Gardens of War: Life and Death in the New Guinea Stone Age. New York: Random House, 1968.Hampton, O. W. "Bud." Culture of Stone: Sacred and Profane Uses of Stone among the Dani Culture of Stone: Sacred and Profane Uses of Stone among the Dani. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1999.Harrer, Heinrich. I Come from the Stone Age. I Come from the Stone Age. London: Companion Book Club, 1964. London: Companion Book Club, 1964.Hayward, Douglas. The Dani of Irian Jaya Before and After Conversion The Dani of Irian Jaya Before and After Conversion. Sentani, Indonesia: Regions Press, 1980.Heider, Karl G. The Dugum Dani: A Papuan Culture in the Highlands of West New Guinea The Dugum Dani: A Papuan Culture in the Highlands of West New Guinea. Chicago: Aldine, 1970._________. Grand Valley Dani: Peaceful Warriors Grand Valley Dani: Peaceful Warriors. 3rd ed. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth Group, 1997.Hilton, James. Lost Horizon. Lost Horizon. New York: Pocket Books, 1960. New York: Pocket Books, 1960.Hitt, Russell T. Cannibal Valley: The Heroic Struggle for Christ in Savage New Guinea-The Most Perilous Mission Frontier in the World Cannibal Valley: The Heroic Struggle for Christ in Savage New Guinea-The Most Perilous Mission Frontier in the World. New York: Harper & Row, 1962Imparato, Edward T. Rescue from Shangri-La Rescue from Shangri-La. Paducah, Ky.: Turner, 1997.Keats, John. They Fought Alone They Fought Alone. New York: Pocket Books, 1965.Lowden, John L. Silent Wings at War: Combat Gliders in World War II. Silent Wings at War: Combat Gliders in World War II. Washington, Smithsonian Inst.i.tution Press, 1992. Washington, Smithsonian Inst.i.tution Press, 1992.Manchester, William. American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur, 18801964 American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur, 18801964. New York: Little, Brown, 1978.Matthiessen, Peter. Under the Mountain Wall: A Chronicle of Two Seasons in Stone Age New Guinea. Under the Mountain Wall: A Chronicle of Two Seasons in Stone Age New Guinea. New York: Viking, 1962. New York: Viking, 1962.Meiselas, Susan. Encounters with the Dani: Stories from the Baliem Valley Encounters with the Dani: Stories from the Baliem Valley. New York: Steidl/International Center for Photography, 2003.Miller, Stuart Creighton. Benevolent a.s.similation: The American Conquest of the Philippines, 18991903. Benevolent a.s.similation: The American Conquest of the Philippines, 18991903. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1984. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1984.Morison, Samuel Eliot. History of U.S. Naval Operations in World War II History of U.S. Naval Operations in World War II. Vol. 8, New Guinea and the Marianas, March 1944August 1944. New Guinea and the Marianas, March 1944August 1944. Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2002. Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2002.Morse, Roger A. Richard Archbold and the Archbold Biological Station Richard Archbold and the Archbold Biological Station. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2000.Rottman, Gordon L. U.S. Special Warfare Units in the Pacific Theater, 194145: Scouts, Raiders, Rangers and Reconnaissance Units U.S. Special Warfare Units in the Pacific Theater, 194145: Scouts, Raiders, Rangers and Reconnaissance Units. New York: Osprey, 2005._________. World War II Pacific Island Guide: A Geo-Military Study World War II Pacific Island Guide: A Geo-Military Study. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2001.Samuels, William. Reflections of an Airline Pilot Reflections of an Airline Pilot. San Francisco, Calif.: Monterey Pacific, 1999.Sandler, Stanley. World War II in the Pacific: An Encyclopedia World War II in the Pacific: An Encyclopedia. New York: Garland, 2001.Sargent, Wyn. People of the Valley: Life with a Cannibal Tribe in New Guinea People of the Valley: Life with a Cannibal Tribe in New Guinea. New York: Random House, 1974.Schieffelin, Edward L., and Robert Crittenden. Like People You See in a Dream: First Contact in Six Papuan Societies. Like People You See in a Dream: First Contact in Six Papuan Societies. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 1991. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 1991.Schneebaum, Tobias. Where the Spirits Dwell: Odyssey in the Jungle of New Guinea. Where the Spirits Dwell: Odyssey in the Jungle of New Guinea. New York: Grove Press, 1988. New York: Grove Press, 1988.Sheehan, Susan. A Missing Plane: The Dramatic Tragedy and Triumph of a Lost and Forgotten World War II Bomber A Missing Plane: The Dramatic Tragedy and Triumph of a Lost and Forgotten World War II Bomber. New York: Berkeley Books, 1986.Souter, Gavin. New Guinea: The Last Unknown. New Guinea: The Last Unknown. Sydney, Australia: Angus & Robertson, 1964. Sydney, Australia: Angus & Robertson, 1964.Treadwell, Mattie E. The Women's Army Corps The Women's Army Corps. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Chief of Military History, Dept. of the Army, 1954.Weise, Selene H. C. The Good Soldier: The Story of a Southwest Pacific Signal Corps WAC The Good Soldier: The Story of a Southwest Pacific Signal Corps WAC. Shippensburg, Pa.: Burd Street Press, 1999.Yellin, Emily. Our Mothers' War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II. Our Mothers' War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II. New York: Free Press, 2004. New York: Free Press, 2004.