CHARLES R. JOYNER A REMEMBRANCE
One hundred years ago God created a special person who positively touched many lives. In his 84 years he was an orphan, teenage ruffian, soldier, home builder, artist, Naval Aircraft Inspector, Realtor, devout Catholic, expert fisherman, and skilled dancer. He was husband to the love of his life, Catherine Lee (Williams) and their romance lasted over 60 years. Nicknamed Dinky and Kakie, their union survived and thrived from the dark days of WWII into the 21st century. He was a generous man who supported charities and helped family members with shelter and money during their times of need.
His military service was unusual. Between 1941 and late 1944 while serving in the Philippines he was bombed off Clark field the day after Pearl Harbor, fought in the Battle of Bataan, suffered the infamous Bataan Death March, and POW imprisonment. Forced into a slave labor detail, he and three buddies made a daring escape from their captors and fled into the jungle. After escaping the Japanese, he briefly served as a guerrilla fighter. Betrayed by a native he was nearly recaptured, but escaped again by isolating himself in the mountains and jungles of Luzon Province for over a year. During this period he was aided by a brave Filipino villager named Matias Badang.
As the tide of war shifted in favor of the Allies. he re joined guerrilla forces under the overall command of Colonel Donald Blackburn. As a guerrilla combatant he participated in struggles against the enemy and avoided headhunters while receiving field promotions for his service. Finally, he was medically evacuated in late 1944 back to the United States.
Returning home to Portsmouth Virginia he weighed only 100 pounds and was plagued by malaria, other tropical diseases, and trauma. For his service he was awarded many decorations including The Bronze Star. Also, he was eventually rated a 100% disabled veteran. However, my father always downplayed his endurance and survival as a gift from Almighty God. He insisted the real heroes were the Filipinos and Americans who suffered greater injury and died during the terrible struggle in the Philippines.
A book entitled "Humble Hero" detailing his life and extraordinary military experiences was published December 2018. It's available in print or e book format from Amazon and has received only 5 star reviews from readers. Barnes & Noble, Outskirts Press, and other book sellers also stock the book. An author signed copy can be secured from E Bay.
It's a heluva story about an amazing citizen soldier and a part of the Pacific Campaign of World War II overlooked or lightly covered in history books.
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