Clarence Rutz, my uncle, during his mid 20's enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Afterwards, he was sent to Westover Field, Massachusetts where he served until being transferred to the Philippines. In 1942 when Corregidor fell, he was captured by the Japanese a few days later and along with thousands of others, spent 3 horrendous years as their prisoner. Shortly after capture, hundreds of these prisoners were marched without food, water, adequate clothing, shoes, or needed medical care some 80 miles to Bataan Philippines. Many died enroute and some were bayonetted along the way by their captors for 'practice'. Then 2nd Lt. Rutz survived the march, and along with the others, was liberated in September, 1945. His brother, Sgt. Fred Rutz was stationed in the same area and helped with his liberation. Shortly thereafter, 2nd Lt. Rutz was promoted to Captain. After discharge, he settled in Aurora, Colorado with his wife Meda, daughter Sharon Lee, and later a son Clarke (who was killed as a young man in a hunting accident). Spending his whole post-military life in Aurora, Clarence Rutz was a well respected, active member of the community, participating in many civic affairs until his death in 1981.