<p>
For the first 11 years of my life, my 11-year-older half-brother, <em>Dwight D. Edison, </em>was for me what we now call “a role model.” He was athlete, scholar, versatile musician, backyard astronomer, hardworking Santa Fe railroad pre-dawn messenger, and Eagle Scout. He was an example to be emulated.</p>
<p>
Seeing him and his surroundings during June Week in 1932 made a lasting impact on me, which was realized when I graduated with the class of January 1943. Between his graduation and mine, I saw little of him, but his occasional letters were always full of cheer and optimism. They came first from Hawaii; then later from Fort Worden, Washington, Monterey, California and, finally, the Philippines.</p>
<p>
The following are parts of my memories of this special man whose spirit and image shaped my character more than any other single influence.</p>
<p>
<em>The following article is from the New York Times, November 14, 1945:</em></p>
<p>
Piece Saved From Flag of Corregidor</p>
<p>
A little scrap of bunting, the only remaining fragment of the Flag that once flew over Corregidor, was added today to America’s immortal relics.</p>
<p>
It is hardly 2x3 inches in size and it is frayed at the edges, but its color still gleams as red as the blood of the heroes who died on “the Rock” to defend it.</p>
<p>
Colonel Delbert Ausmus, who saved “the Flag,” as he called the tiny red swatch, as a legacy to America from Colonel Paul D. Bunker, a fellow officer who died in a Japanese prison camp, told the story.</p>
<p>
Colonel Bunker and two other officers, Lieutenant Colonel Norman B. Symonds of Brooklyn, New York, and Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Edison, both now dead, had carried out orders to haul down the American Flag. They were told to burn it, but, before this was carried out, Bunker cut off a small piece. The widows of both Colonel Bunker and Colonel Edison reside in Los Angeles.</p>
<p>
<em>This letter from Dwight Edison to his parents was received 1 September 1945:</em></p>
<p>
Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija<br />
Philippine Islands<br />
October 11, 1944</p>
<p>
Dearest Mother and Dad,</p>
<p>
I am writing this note to you as I depart from this camp to Japan—where I don’t know. Due to the conditions of the war we may never reach there—if not, it certainly is the Will of God. Have no remorse, however, as I feel that our people are doing all they can to fight this war sanely and with the minimum losses. I have long ago learned that a prisoner is certainly not worth the powder to dispense him to perhaps happier hunting grounds.</p>
<p>
Should I not make this voyage—and you will know by my cards if any come from—Japan or for other causes, do not grieve for my loss. I have been brave and fearless thru it all for my Country and fellowmen. These precepts both of you have taught me and they are sound. Please, for my sake, be cheerful and happy over my loss if it occurs and be thankful that I have served as a good soldier should.</p>
<p>
Give my best to Bob and Evelyn. They have been grand as brother and sister—I ask of you and them—though I know I need not—to watch and guard over my beloved wife and Janet. They are well provided for but whenever in need of help or advice please do all you can for them for me please.</p>
<p>
Should all of this above not apply (i.e. I get safely through), I will expect to be home by one year to eighteen months from this date. Let me tell you and all at home—clear the decks—for I’m going to live like a free man should. You can’t realize or appreciate the full value of being a free American, I can.</p>
<p>
Well, fond parents—the days will pass swiftly and soon I shall be with you again. I can cheerfully say that the sum total of my bitter experiences since 1941, December 8th—may be added up to the following:</p>
<p>
I do not regret one day of it as I feel it was all for my country which I love so much and all of you, my beloved ones. I consider it the greatest privilege that could be bestowed upon any citizen. I mean this (no sour grapes intended at all.) To go into battle knowing it to be a lost cause (our part of it) and be taken prisoner; to me I feel someone had to do this to help save the things we all love so much. I’m glad that I could do my share.</p>
<p>
Best wishes and love to you all. I hope to see you soon, or at least again.</p>
<p>
<em>Your loving son, Dwight</em></p>
<p>
The War Department reports Lieutenant Colonel D. D. Edison killed in action while being transported to Japan aboard a prison ship, 15 December 1944, torpedoed at Subic Bay, the Philippines. The following letter to Dwight’s wife from Lieutenant Colonel A. C. Peterson, USMA 1930.</p>
<p>
San Francisco, California<br />
October 10, 1945</p>
<p>
Dear Arline,</p>
<p>
I know you are anxious for anything you can hear about Dwight, so here goes for what little I can tell you.</p>
<p>
We were together at Cabanatuan except for a short time when Dwight went back to Corregidor on a special detail along with Simmons, MacNair, Stennis, Kirkpatrick, and many others. During our time at Cabanatuan, Dwight was always in good health and got along very nicely. He was very good to me when I was desperately ill and did me many kindnesses which I shall never forget.</p>
<p>
In October of 1944, we were transferred from Cabanatuan to Bilibid preparatory to being shipped to Japan. We stayed there for two months finally sailing aboard the “Oryoku Maru” 13 December 1944. On 15 December, we were bombed and beached in Subic Bay and Dwight got ashore without injury. He and Bobby Glassbum dressed my head wounds at Alongapo. We stayed at the tennis court at the Alongapo Naval Station for about five days and were moved by truck to San Fernando, Pampanga. By this time Dwight had started the runs (acute colitis) and developed pneumonia. He was given a blood transfusion and, together with 14 others, was put aboard trucks on 24 December 1944. We were given to understand that they were being returned to Bilibid, as they were not in condition to continue the trip. We left San Fernando, Pampanga then and arrived at San Fernando, La Union, Christmas day. I never saw or heard of Dwight again after leaving San Fernando, Pampanga.</p>
<p>
On my way home last month I tried to trace Dwight in Manila. Lieutenant Colonel Elvin Barr’s wife made a thorough check of all the Bilibid records seized by our forces this spring and none of them indicate that the 15 men ever got back to Bilibid.</p>
<p>
I wish that I could tell you to hope, Arline, but I am afraid that Dwight has joined the “long grey line.”</p>
<p>
My heart goes out to you wives and mothers that have suffered these years of agony and then be cheated by a quirk of fate. I wish that I could express the feeling and sympathy in my heart, Arline, but I know that Dwight understands and is probably smiling down on all of us knowing that you will carry on. If ever I can do anything, please write.</p>
<p>
Dwight and George Crawford were the two best friends I had and I know they both expect me to stand in their place whenever possible—just as I would have expected them to do the same for me.</p>
<p>
As ever—Pete</p>
<p>
When finally I join you in the “long grey line,” we will have much to talk about, my brother, you, and I.</p>
<p>
<em>Robert V. Whitlow, January ‘43</em></p>