The Bataan Death March began on April 9, 1942 when 70,000 Filipino and American troops surrendered to Japanese troops on the Bataan Peninsula. General MacArthur and his troops were overrun so they retreated; however, tens of thousand of troops were left behind.
General Homma, the leader of the Japanese forces, commanded the U.S. and Filipino troops to march 100 kilometres north to Nueva Ecija to Camp O'Donnell. Those who fell behind during the march were shot, beheaded, or bayonetted. About 54,000 reached Camp O'Donnell. Some were able to escape, but 10,000 died at the camp.
On June 6, 1942 the Filipino prisoners were granted amnesty and were allowed to leave. The American prisoners were then moved to Cabanatuan.
After WWII was over General Homma was tried and convicted in Los Angeles, Californi. His appeal was denied and he was moved to Manila where he was executed by firing squad.
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