Producer: Ron Duffy
Ron is a retired radio producer. He continues to enjoy and work on public radio documentary projects that he believes hold strong historical value and interest for the public. From 1997 - 2007 Ron was the creator & host of The Inner Journey Radio Program, broadcast on 17 stations, airing unique interviews with guests sharing life transforming experiences and discoveries. The “Surviving The Bataan Death March” documentary project grew out of one of his Inner Journey interviews.
Producer Contact: Ron Duffy
Inner Journey Productions 2560 Fisk St., Roseville, MN 55113 651-353-0054 (cell) [email protected]
For Broadcast in 2023 and 2024
“Surviving The Bataan Death March” (57:32)
One hour radio documentary recalling WW II veteran Ken Porwoll’s compelling story of survival
Special Encore Presentation
Offered as a Remembrance & Tribute to all American Prisoners of War, Living & Passed On for their Service & Sacrifice for America
This program broadcast in prior years on 190+ public radio stations
Narration by (The Late) Senator John McCain
Copy this link to your web browser to listen to "Surviving The Bataan Death March" on the Public Radio Exchange Website: https://beta.prx.org/stories/424610
Program Description
Veteran Ken Porwoll’s story recounts his inhumane treatment & riveting story of survival as one of 10,000 American & roughly 50,000 Filipino soldiers on the Bataan Death March of WW II and his ensuing 3+ years as a Japanese prisoner of war.
Ken’s graphic recall of these events, told with deep humility and no lingering animosity, captures for listeners the gut-wrenching experience of these soldiers who suffered wartime brutality almost beyond belief.
“Surviving The Bataan Death March” is a story of man’s inhumanity to man—yet inside this story of brutality and despair, are powerful moments of warmth, humor, compassion, kindness and faith.
Ken’s story is testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome all obstacles and endure - told in such a way it symbolizes the story of all 10,000 American soldiers on the Death March. His account serves as a tribute to all the soldiers on the Bataan Death March who survived this ordeal and the thousands who did not. (Ken Porwoll passed away, on Veteran’s Day, 2013.)
Program Details
Length: 57:32
Narration by (The Late) Senator John McCain
Special Encore Presentation
Offered as a Remembrance & Tribute to all American Prisoners of War, Living & Passed on, for their Service & Sacrifice for America”
Scheduling for 2023 -24 — Ideal for airing on or around:
April 9 — The Anniversary date of the start of the Bataan Death March May 30 — Memorial Day
July 4 — Independence Day
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day (Also known as Remembrance Day)
Suitable For Use as Evergreen Program
(All the narration and interview material depict events that occurred from 1942 - 1945.)
Comments from Public Radio Listeners about “Surviving The Bataan Death March”
“...such a fine interview...Ken shared from his heart....a superb piece of interviewing.” (James J., Berkeley, CA)
“...it was wonderfully done...the program brought tears to my eyes...my dad was a veteran...he died recently...thank you for
sharing that with us. It was great!"” (Mary Ann, Northbrook, IL)
“It was a wonderful thing that you did. I want my nieces and nephews to know about John’s life and what he went through.”
(From Ruth, sister of John Falkener, a Bataan survivor who is mentioned in Ken Porwoll’s story.) (Ruth, Tucson, AZ) “I was very moved by the program. It was a powerful piece.” (Nancy, Wichita, KS)
“...should be heard in high schools....Great story...Tremendous story...I think all young people should hear this kind of stuff.” (Bob, New Milford, PA)
“It was wonderful. So well done...I hated to get out of the car...” (D.A., Edmond, OK)
“I enjoyed it very much....very impactful...I appreciate your artistic efforts. I am so glad you do this!” (Vicki, Moran, WY)
“It was so good! I did enjoy it!” (Louise, Morgantown, WV)
“Excellent!...no nonsense.... sincere...matter of fact.” (Jerry, Miami, FL)
“That was a dynamic dissertation of what went on...” (Joe, Myrtle Beach, SC)
“I was just riveted to the radio!” (Connie, Broadus, MT)
“It was just overwhelming...a beautiful, beautiful program...Ken spoke so honestly.” (J. Thomas, San Francisco, CA)
“Fabulous...Phenomenal....I hated to turn it off, it was so incredible.” (voice mail message left without name)
“Very moving. Job well done!” (Dennis, Fargo, ND)
“Very riveting...excellent...really touching....a powerful presentation...I want to play it at church...” (Bob, La Barge, WY)
“Just outstanding. I was transfixed...well done.” (Hunter, Albany GA)
“A really fine program.” (Ray, Knoxville, TN)
“Young people....living history...make them aware...” (Kenneth, Morgantown, WV)
“Thank you so much for doing the program. My dad was in WW II.” (Mary, Huntington, WV)
“A moving, moving piece.” (Jack, Skowhegan, ME)
“You did a great job!” (Meredith, Petoskey, MI)
“I really enjoyed this....very captivating...it really grabbed me!” (Peter, Moatsville, WV)
“A very honest depiction of what went on...awestruck by the whole thing...good job!” (Archie, San Francisco CA)
“I was impressed and taken with Mr. Porwoll’s account. My uncle Joe was at Pearl Harbor...tribute to Ken and the human spirit...thank you for the work that you do” (Walter, Morgantown, WV)
“Wonderful project! Powerful presentation!” (Mike, Larkspur CA) “Excellent program!” (Jean, Galeton, PA)