I’ve taken some fictional liberties with the geography of the final battle. The Japanese did use the imposing legislative building for their last stand, and it was mostly destroyed by the end of the battle, but has since been rebuilt and is now used as a beautiful museum of the arts. However, the legislative building actually stands just outside the old stone walls. I condensed locations to simplify the story but keep the flavor of that last, desperate battle. Intramuros has been rebuilt into a charming commercial district, its old stone walls and gates mostly intact.
Deke and Patrol Easy will soon be heading for Okinawa and rejoining the rest of the division as the Pacific war continues. I hope that you can join them.
I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to all those who helped with previewing or editing the book, especially Charles, Paul, Castle Walls Editing, and Intracoastal Media. Thanks to Rob for the opportunity to visit his collection of militaria. Tisa introduced me to her father’s wonderful WWII sketches. Once again, the talented Scott Bennett brought the characters to life with his audiobook narration. The home team of Aidan, Mary, Mike, and Christine listened to my musings with patience. All of your enthusiasm and efforts are deeply appreciated.
Finally, I wish to express humble gratitude to all those who have shared their family stories (sometimes even photographs or memoirs) of relatives who served in World War II. They are proud of their connection to the “Greatest Generation” and rightfully so. Remember that you can always reach out through my website or Facebook to share more of those stories because I appreciate each one.
— DH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Healey lives in Maryland, where he worked as a journalist for more than twenty years. He is an author member of the International Thriller Writers.
www.davidhealeyauthor.com
Check in with him on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/david.healey.books
ALSO BY DAVID HEALEY
Pacific Sniper
Rising Sniper
Jungle Sniper
Hunter Sniper
Savage Sniper
Samurai & Snipers
Ghost Sniper
Iron Sniper
Gods & Snipers
Ardennes Sniper
Righteous Sniper
Red Sniper
Frozen Sniper
Sniper Ridge
Fallen Sniper
Sniper’s Justice
Rebel Dawn
Rebel Fever
Rebel Train
Sharpshooter
Time Reich
Deadly Anthem
Beach Bodies: A Rehoboth Beach Thriller
The House that Went Down with the Ship
The Duelist (Novella)
The Sea Lord Chronicles
First Voyage
Ship of Spies
Non-fiction
Great Storms of the Chesapeake
Delmarva Legends & Lore
1812: Rediscovering Chesapeake Bay’s Forgotten War
Pirate Moon: Collected Essays and Stories
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