Kerns
James H. Kerns' Biographical Sketch


    James H. Kerns, born on a farm near St. Ignatius, Mont.  June 14, 1914.   In 1931 after graduating from high school I enrolled as a student at the University of Montana in Missoula where I took ROTC training along with other studies.   In Jan. 1937 I enlisted in the USMC active reserve in Tacoma, Wash., advancing to the rank of Sgt.   In Feb. 1941 while working for the Veterans Administration in Los Angeles, Ca, I was called up for active duty reporting to San Diego, Ca; was assigned to the 6th. Reg., then located at Camp Elliott.   I immediately signed up for foreign duty and in April, I was aboard the Navy Transport Henderson destined for duty with the 4th. Reg. in Shanghai.

    My brother Sgt. Major Paul Kerns at this time was, unbeknownst to me, due to return to the U.S. on the Henderson so we had a short visit enroute north China to Shanghai, where I disembarked being assigned to "H" Co. 2nd. Batt. 4th. Reg.


    I left Shanghai in Nov. 1941 arriving in Olongapoo, PI.  in time to unpack when Pearl Harbor was bombed.   From Olongapoo it was next Mariveles to celebrate Christmas, then to Corregidor just in time to get in on the first large bombing of Corregidor.   This indoctrination hastened an evacuation of Middleside Barracks to James Ravine for beach defense where I was assigned to "H" Co. headquarters under Capt. Mc Makin.

    Here until the surrender May 6, 1942.   First stop 92nd. Garage area for the first lesson on how to react as a POW.   Then to Bilibid for only about 10 days when a work detail of approximately 225 on June 13, 1942 including me, ending up at the Port Area as a stevedore working party in a camp known as Port Area Camp #11.


    Senior American Navy officer Cmdr. G. G. Harrison and Capt. Morio Saegusa, Japanese officer were in charge of the camp.   (In 1967 while on a tour which stopped in Tokyo, my wife and I were treated to a very enjoyable dinner, visit and tour as guests of Mr. Saegusa and his wife Eileene, but this is a story by itself).   There were no medical personnel assigned to this detail so I, having had prior medical experience while employed by the V.A. was assigned this duty, a great experience and good break for me at the time.   I remained at the Port Area until the camp was closed in July 1944 and joined many others for the unforgettable, "Hell Ship" nightmare, on the Nissyo Maru for about 21 days before reaching Moji, Japan.   From Moji via. train to Kamioka where we joined other Americans, British, Dutch and native Javanese prisoners working in a lead mine for Mitsui Mining Co.   I managed somehow to endure this experience until the war ended and we were found by the US Airforce in September 1945.


    I returned to the US on the USS Ozark, spent 13 months in the Navy Hospital in Corona, Ca, returned to active duty in San Diego in Dec. 1946 where I was discharged a M/Sgt.   The next day I went to work as a Country Club Manager in Chino, Ca and continued this type of work until 1951 when I went to work in Los Angeles for the State of California.   I retired in 1976 while living in San Luis Obispo, with my wife Marjorie whom I had married in San Diego in 1963.   We traveled for a couple of years in our 5th wheel trailer all over the US before settling here in San Marcos about 20 miles north of San Diego.   I always enjoyed reading books written by former POW's and have collected about 24 which I occasionally enjoy reviewing.   I have enjoyed hearing from several men since having e-mail available.   Taking everything that I have encountered in my lifetime into consideration, I consider myself very fortunate and thankful to still be here.

    James H. Kerns